Troy G. Payne

Troy Gabriel Payne concentrates his practice in family law (divorce, paternity, adoptions, orders of protection, child support and allocations of parenting time and significant decision making responsibilities), criminal law, jury trials, expungements, juvenile law, civil litigation (trials), municipal law, small claims, collections and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Mr. Payne has defended clients in felony and misdemeanor criminal jury trials. He has conducted civil jury trials. During his career, Troy G. Payne has represented clients in the Illinois Appellate Court. He has written appellate briefs and presented oral argument before the Fifth Appellate District Court in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Mr. Payne is a court approved mediator for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Mr. Payne’s experience as a family law practitioner and litigator brings a unique perspective to family law mediation. Mr. Payne has seen his clients battle the uncertainty of a trial and a Judge’s ruling concerning the upbringing of their children. Family law mediation allows the parties to be involved in the custody and visitation decision making process. Through mediation, the parents can agree how to raise their children and share in their children’s upbringing.

Mr. Payne received his Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University in May of 2000. He became associated with the Law Group in December of 2000 after being admitted to the Illinois Bar on November 9, 2000.  Mr. Payne is a current member of the American Bar Association, as well as the bar associations for the Central and Southern Federal Districts of Illinois, Illinois (State), Fayette County and Effingham County.

During college, Mr. Payne reached the semi-finals of the Model Illinois Government Moot Court Competition held in Springfield, Illinois.  He received the Cali Award during law school for the highest grade in Senior Seminar, a legal writing course.

Troy Payne obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Illinois University in May of 1997.  He also holds an Associate in Science Degree from Southeastern Illinois College, which he received in May of 1994.  While at SIC, Payne was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a recipient of academic scholarships.

Mr. Payne graduated from Gallatin County High School in May, 1992.  He resides in Vandalia with his wife, Christina, two daughters, Eva and Autumn, and two sons, Eli and Aric.