Barri Payne

Barri Hilton Payne was born in High Point, North Carolina, and grew up in Davidson County. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Religious Studies and Sociology. After earning her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1999, Barri began her legal career in Durham, North Carolina.

For twelve years, Barri was a founding partner at Brock, Payne & Meece, P.A. In 2013, she launched her own solo practice focusing on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support. She emphasizes resolving family issues through mediation to minimize conflict.

In 2011, Barri achieved certification as a board-certified family law specialist and as a certified family financial mediator. Her practice extends to will preparation, family law appeals, and adoption, primarily serving clients in Durham County, as well as Orange, Chatham, and Wake Counties.

Before attending law school, Barri lived in various states such as Washington, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama, but cherishes North Carolina as her home. Residing in Durham with her husband John and their daughter Amelia, Barri and her family enjoy the beach, RV camping, and local attractions like the Life and Science Museum and Durham Bulls games. They are also active in their church community.

Barri is dedicated to community service, volunteering with the Legal Information Service at the Compass Center in Chapel Hill, offering free telephone consultations. She has also conducted seminars for the Compass Center’s Free Legal Clinics on topics including child custody, child support, and spousal support.