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
8%
3 stars
1%
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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 Nicole
March 04, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with this attorney was very easy. They explained everything and if I had questions they answered in a timely matter. Everything was very well organized with the office. As soon I started talking to someone from the office I knew this was the attorney I needed to get my divorce done.

Response from James D.
March 04, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and for the kind words. We strive to explain everything to make it as simple as possible for our clients.
Divorce
Posted by Ross
March 01, 2024
Hired Attorney

I highly recommend this firm if you’re going through a divorce. Fair and straight to the point. They kept me in the loop and told me step by step what to expect and what to do and gave me realistic time frames. THANKS again!

Response from James D.
March 01, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and recommendation. We strive to make it as easy as possible to get through such a difficult time.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 01, 2024
Hired Attorney

This Law Firm was very responsive to my needs. I am Senior and was not quite sure how to proceed with my divorce. Cairns made it very easy to understand. I would rate them a 100% Thank you for all you do.

Response from James D.
March 01, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and for the kind words. We strive to make it an easy to understand process for all clients.
Divorce
Posted by Felicitas
February 22, 2024
Hired Attorney

+? years! I met the man of dreams & finally got a divorce through Cain's law firm-great job people! When new guy proposes (Valentine's day came & went), I, may say yes! Thank you for allowing me to be single!! 🥂💜💐🤞

Response from James D.
February 22, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and review!
Divorce
Posted by Stacy
February 17, 2024
Hired Attorney

I’m very satisfied with Cairns! This law firm works fast and professionally, and they are affordable as well. They respond to emails in a timely manner. The step by step instructions are easy to follow, just READ carefully!! I signed the first set of divorce papers in October. My divorce was granted on February 5th which was a win for me, as my wedding anniversary was February 24th. I’m grateful that it was finalized before then since my anniversary and birthday are the same day. I finally have my day back to myself. I appreciate the team at Cairns law office for making this process easy for me during such a difficult time in my life.

 
Response from James D.
February 17, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy we could help you through this process!
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 09, 2024
Hired Attorney

Everything went faster than I anticipated and I didn`t even pay more. I would definitely recommend. Hopefully I don`t need further services, ( divorce), but I am pleased with how easy they made this. Thankyou

Response from James D.
February 09, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad we could help through this difficult time.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 30, 2024
Hired Attorney

Exactly as advertised. Follow the instructions and you won't go wrong! The website instructions are clear and the costs associated with each thing that you need are clear delineated. Followup is timely and effective.

Response from James D.
January 30, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We try to make the instructions as clear as possible to make it a smooth process.
Divorce
Posted by Helene
January 29, 2024
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Office made my divorce fast, simple, and definitely affordable!!! I never thought it would fo so smoothly or that changing my name back would be so easy! Being able to sign at my own convenience amd having the papers so organized with clear timelines made it so simple Thank you!

Response from James D.
January 29, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We strive to make it a smooth, efficient process for all of our clients, and we are glad you had a good experience.
Divorce
Posted by Michael
January 28, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law offices was wonderful! Great service and super responsive. Everything was streamline and the instructions were easy to follow. Worth every penny. My divorce was finalized very quickly.

Response from James D.
January 28, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad you had a good experience working with us, and found the process to be easy.
Divorce
Posted by Miriam
January 23, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with this lawyer it was good experience specially when your work schedule does not allow you to go to a lawyer office also it was an easy process and also easy to communicate via email snd a fast response. I really recommend. Thanks for your services.

Response from James D.
January 23, 2024
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We strive to make the experience good for all of our clients, and we are glad it was easy for you.

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.