About James D. Cairns III

Attorney Jim Cairns is an Erie area native who has been practicing law for over 24 years. He has helped men and women throughout the state end their marriages in the most convenient and cost-efficient manner possible. As a lawyer, he is committed to providing comprehensive legal services. After encountering numerous delays and unnecessary expenses during his own divorce, attorney Cairns recognized the need for an updated approach to the divorce process. He decided to concentrate on using technology to create a method that would more affordably serve his clients in the areas of divorce (simple, uncontested, no-fault). This involves:

• Preparation of divorce settlement agreements

• Deed changes

• Retaking of maiden or prior married names

This technology-driven method of completing a divorce soon formed Cairns Law Offices. His method now includes preparation of estate planning documents for divorced clients:

• Wills

• Trusts

• Powers of Attorney for Financial and Health Affairs

• Living Wills

Education & Background

Jim has been a Professor at Pennsylvania State University, lecturing in estate planning for divorced, single, and married clients. He holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, and holds a Master's Degree in Administration from Mercyhurst College. Jim is also a Registered Investment Advisor and is the Director of Retirement Services at an Erie, PA financial firm where he consults divorced clients regarding proper financial planning. In addition, he holds Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Producer's licensure. Attorney Cairns is a frequent speaker at various legal and financial workshops.

He has a background in social work, counseling, and education, and has worked with the Gertrude A. Barber Center and Perseus House non-profit organizations.

Helping the Community

As a member of the community, he is dedicated to helping Pennsylvania's at-risk youth by working as a volunteer for Attorneys and Kids Together (AKT), the Erie County Bar Association's community project. This program is designed to support the educational needs of students who are living in homeless situations and most likely to drop out of school.

He is also a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and has taught in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law "Street Law" program and various summer youth education projects.

Personal Life

He has recently returned from the country of Nicaragua where he developed and sponsored Nicaragua's 30th Anniversary of Literacy Celebration. Jim also holds a second-degree black belt in martial arts and is a volunteer teacher of Goshin Jutsu Karate.

Our Goal

It is our goal to provide Pennsylvanians with the best service for simple, no-fault, uncontested divorce. At Cairns Law Offices, $219 divorce includes all court costs, so you can complete your divorce and rebuild your life cheaply and affordably! We make it easy to file your divorce online. Start today!

Representative Clients

• Clients needing Affordable Divorce Representation.

• Clients needing Financial and Estate Planning.

Past Employment Positions

• Sosinc Communications, Sioux City, IA, Assistant General Counsel, Vice President of Customer Support, 2000 - 2002

• Centurion Telecommunications, Columbus, OH, Assistant General Counsel, 1998 - 2000

• Cairns & Cambell, Cleveland, OH , Managing Partner, 1995 - 1997

Classes / Seminars

• Estate Planning, Penn State University, 2009 - Present

• Business Law, Tri-State Business Institute, 2010 - Present

Pro Bono Activities

• AKT- Attorneys and Kids Together, 2006 - Present

• Developed & Sponsored Nicaragua's 30th Anniversary of Literacy Celebration, 2010 - Present

Ancillary Businesses

• Financial Planning for Divorced and Married Clients

• Retirement Planning for Divorced and Married Clients

Professional Associations & Memberships

• PA Bar Association

• Erie County Bar Association

 

Awards

Reviews for James D.

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5 stars
91%
4 stars
8%
3 stars
1%
2 stars
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1 star
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What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Divorce
Posted by Allen
April 22, 2026
Hired Attorney

Very knowledgeable and professional. We'll use again if needed. Quick and accurate. Responds to emails in a timely manner. Very helpful. The entire office is very friendly. Will keep you updated on the process when they have news.

Response from James D.
April 22, 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate your trust in Cairns Law Offices for these important matters.
Divorce
Posted by Roy
April 16, 2026
Hired Attorney

I helped my niece and her husband to obtain a low cost no-fault divorce. This took a few months and we had to correct a few items during the process and it worked! Cairns Law Office was very clear in their communications and both parties were able to follow the instructions. Thank you! RNK

Response from James D.
April 16, 2026
We appreciate your kind words regarding your experience and the convenience of the process. Thank you for sharing your feedback with Cairns Law Offices.
Divorce
Posted by Lisa
March 31, 2026
Hired Attorney

I was very pleased with my lawyer. They were very patient with me and helped me to understand the process. I would recommend them to my friends and family. If you need a speedy divorce with competent legal counsel this firm is the one.

Response from James D.
March 31, 2026
Thank you for recognizing our team’s professionalism and ongoing support. We appreciate your trust throughout this process.
Divorce
Posted by Anita
March 21, 2026
Hired Attorney

The lawyer made it easy to work with. His information was concise and accurate. The timeline he presented occurred exactly as he told me. Communication was excellent. The cost was extremely affordable and reasonable. My case was won and I would highly recommend him.

Response from James D.
March 21, 2026
We appreciate your kind words regarding your experience. Your feedback on costs and efficiency is valued. Thank you for recommending Cairns Law Offices.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 18, 2026
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Offices handled my divorce with as little fuss as possible. Everything was quick and easy. We followed the directions and everything was processed quickly. We signed the papers 91 days after filing and received our divorce decree less than 30 days later. I don't recommend divorce, but if you need it then this is the way to do it. Upfront pricing and clear communication.

 
Response from James D.
March 18, 2026
We appreciate your trust and are glad our process provided ease and clarity during this significant transition. Wishing you the best ahead.
Divorce
Posted by Alissa
February 18, 2026
Hired Attorney

I got my divorce online through them. It was super easy step by step. They sent emails with updates eveything happened fast as well. All the paperwork was well organized and explained via email. I paid for the rush and it happened very quickly.

Divorce
Posted by Shannon
February 18, 2026
Hired Attorney

This law firm made my divorce as easy of a process as possible. It was quick and without stress. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. If I would have known how easy it was going to be I would have done it sooner. I would refer anyone looking for a quick cheap Divorce to contact Cairns law office offices.

Response from James D.
February 18, 2026
We appreciate your kind words regarding your experience and the convenience of the process. Thank you for sharing your feedback with Cairns Law Offices.
Divorce
Posted by Tammy
February 13, 2026
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Office was a god sent! I filed Sept 4,25 and Feb 4, 26 I was granted a divorce! Never once did I have to visit their office or courthouse! Everything was done online via email correspondence ! Very easy instructions throughout the process . I’m so grateful !

Response from James D.
February 13, 2026
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Cairns Law Offices.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 12, 2026
Hired Attorney

Made the entire divorce process so easy. Very responsive and answered questions promptly and thoroughly. Frequent communication kept me up to date on the status of my case. I would highly recommend their services.

Response from James D.
February 12, 2026
We appreciate you highlighting your experience with our team’s process.
Divorce
Posted by Emmanuel
February 10, 2026
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law offices are very much reliable and they give you the best explanation to all your questions,very fast to responding to questions, they were recommended to me by a family friend and yes they are indeed very professional at what they do and in the future i will love and always recommend people to them thanks.. once again thanks for your saves

 
Response from James D.
February 10, 2026
We’re grateful you found the process so straightforward. Your recommendation is appreciated by everyone at Cairns Law Offices.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 3
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Military Divorce
  • Other 5
    • Debt Division
    • Preparing Settlement Agreements
    • Property Division
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • No Fault Divorces

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
    Spanish
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Other - Paypal
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Cairns Law Offices
  • Pro Bono Services

    AKT- Attorneys and Kids Together, 2006 - Present Developed & Sponsored Nicaragua's 30 Anniversary of Literacy Celebration, 2010 - Present

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1995, Ohio
    2002, Pennsylvania
    Memberships
    Pennsylvania Bar Association
    Ohio Bar Associations
    Erie County Bar Association.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
    Class of 1995
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Indiana University
    Class of 1988
    B.A.
    Criminology, Dean's List

    Mercyhurst College
    Class of 1992
    M.S.
    Administration, Dean's List

Contact James D. Cairns III

Member at Cairns Law Offices
4.9
2889 reviews

3433 West Lake RoadErie, PA 16505U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225

744 South Street, Suite 33Philadelphia, PA 19147U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225

3945 Forbes Avenue, Suite 185Pittsburgh, PA 15213U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225
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Other Office Locations

Philadelphia, PA

744 South Street, Suite 33Philadelphia, PA 19147U.S.A.

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Pittsburgh, PA

3945 Forbes Avenue, Suite 185Pittsburgh, PA 15213U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III is admitted to practice in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III has a professional profile on facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    James D. Cairns, III speaks Spanish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III has a 4.9 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney offer any legal services for a flat fee?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III offers fixed fees for certain legal services.