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
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4 stars
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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Divorce
Posted by David
April 25, 2024
Hired Attorney

This was quick and easy. Actually quicker than promised. I have been trying to get divorced for 8 years and it took less than 3 months for Cairns to get it done. I dont have any complaints at all. Thank you.

Response from James D.
April 25, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We strive to make the process quick and easy for our clients.
Divorce
Posted by Rose
April 21, 2024
Hired Attorney

This process was extremely easy and affordable. I had avoided initiation of my divorce for multiple years because I thought I couldn't afford it. And the added bonus of not having to go in person meetings and court dates was pleasant. I appreciate the speed and efficiency of the work.

Response from James D.
April 21, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We really do try to make it as easy and affordable as possible, and we stand by that.
Divorce
Posted by Amy
April 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

I was separated in 2019 and from start to finish with Cairns's service, I was divorced in 42 days. Follow the instructions, complete things swiftly, and you will be more than happy you did. On 3/6/24, I signed up for the "Rush" 4-8 week divorce at 7:17 a.m. I paid the total cost exactly as outlined on the website, at 7:35 a.m., I got my initial paperwork to send out from his office. I emailed back, one correction, I got the corrected version back at 10:30 a.m. then signed it, sealed it, and sent it off to my NOW ex-spouse the next day. Between that initial day of 3/6/24, I got the emails, followed them to the letter, and got my final decree in my email on 4/17/24.

 
Response from James D.
April 18, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and thank you for the kind words. We are so glad when we get a client's divorce done in a timely and efficient manner.
Divorce
Posted by Kaitlyn
April 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law Offices was super easy! They made my divorce painless and easy! They kept me up to date through email and all info and instructions were clear and easy to follow and understand.

Response from James D.
April 18, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We strive to make the process simple, and keep our clients in the loops all the way through.
Divorce
Posted by DEBORAH
April 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

Very organized and great communication. This process was very full of instructions and happen quickly. Fees are very very reasonable and easy to follow. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEIR SERVICES FOR A NO-CONTEST Divorce!

Response from James D.
April 18, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and for the recommendation.
Divorce
Posted by Robert
April 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

Great law office to work with. Their process was very quick and easy to understand. Emails and all correspondence were quick to arrive and every instruction was noted with great detail in order to expedite the process. Would definitely recommend to anyone who needs divorce proceedings.

Response from James D.
April 18, 2024
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, and thank you for the recommendation. We strive to get back to clients quickly and efficiently.
Divorce
Posted by M
April 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

Process was easy and not complicated as most people get overwhelmed by. Read all your instructions and get yours done today! I would say the time process was excellent...it was more or less done in 6 weeks for me.

Response from James D.
April 17, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and we are glad the process was easy for you.
Divorce
Posted by Alesha
April 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

I would recommend to anyone that is looking for a quick, hassle-free divorce. Everything was completed in a timely manner and I was kept up to date with every step of the process. I was emailed clear instructions along with the documentation. Thank you!!

Response from James D.
April 17, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and recommendation. We really do love it when clients find the process to be understandable and user-friendly.
Divorce
Posted by William
April 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

I was leary about using this type of service. As I got the ball rolling, the instructions that were given for the paperwork were easy to understand and easy to follow. Very satisfied with this service.

Response from James D.
April 17, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We strive to provide services to our client's satisfaction and we are glad to have helped.
Divorce
Posted by Margaret
April 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

Very good response time paper work was easy to read and follow and contact was done very quickly I would recommend them highly to anyone very good service. I think this service is very professional and easy to use for people who are not good at computers. They are very quick and efficient it was a pleasure

Response from James D.
April 17, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and also the recommendation. We strive to be professional, and make the process as easy as possible for our clients.

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
2896 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.