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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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
April 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

The firm does an excellent job at handling a non-contested divorce. They spell out the process to follow. The fees are extremely reasonable. If you and your spouse can work out your own details, this is the way to go. The process is very simple and fast.

Response from James D.
April 02, 2025
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that our process was simple, fast, and clear for you. We strive to make uncontested divorces as smooth and affordable as possible, and we’re glad our services met your expectations.
Divorce
Posted by LaToya
March 25, 2025
Hired Attorney

I want to start by expressing my gratitude to the company for managing my case with such respect and transparency. They were fantastic throughout the entire process. They provided clear and precise information about all the requirements, signatures, and so on. We opted for the standard procedure and were able to finalize our divorce in under three months. The pricing is very reasonable for couples who can amicably handle their marital property. Overall, this has been a positive experience that made a tough situation much easier. While I hope I won’t need their services again in the future, I would gladly recommend them to anyone going through a similar process.

 
Response from James D.
March 25, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we’re honored to have been able to help. Wishing you all the best moving forward!
Divorce
Posted by Shakira
March 19, 2025
Hired Attorney

My divorce was dealt with in a timely manner. There were no hidden cost and I was given updates every step of the way. Their services were excellent, effective and am very satisfied with the outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking an uncontested divorce.

Response from James D.
March 19, 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful review! Your high recommendation means a lot, and we appreciate you choosing Cairns Law Office for your uncontested divorce.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 27, 2025
Hired Attorney

Divorce process was so simple and stress free. I would recommend this law firm to any couple that is trying to have an amicable, inexpensive and easy divorce process. The website explains the process so easily.

Response from James D.
February 27, 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We're so glad the process was simple and stress-free for you. We appreciate your recommendation.
Divorce
Posted by Andrew
February 27, 2025
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Office made my divorce case process extremely smooth and easy. They were very clear in their communication and responsive to my questions. I am glad I chose to use their services, I would highly recommend for an amicable divorce case!

Response from James D.
February 27, 2025
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re glad we could make the process smooth and clear for you. Your recommendation means a lot.
Divorce
Posted by Brittani
February 27, 2025
Hired Attorney

My divorce was quick and easy working with Mr. Cairns. I was hesitant at first, but was put at ease when I did a little research about his office and services. Any questions I had were answered quickly and clearly. I chose rush speed for my divorce and Mr. Cairns filed my documents as soon as he received them. The court received my signed documents on 2/10/25 and I received an email on 2/26/25 stating my divorce was granted. The longest part of the process was due to weather causing delays with mail between my ex-spouse and I. After several years and a stagnant attempt at a self help divorce, Mr Cairns was truly my saving grace. I appreciate everything he has done for me and I highly recommend his services, he will not disappoint! As far as cost, his services are worth every dime and then some. If you’re looking for a simple, stress free divorce process, this is your guy!

 
Divorce
Posted by Alexis
February 25, 2025
Hired Attorney

If you're looking for a divorce attorney who is professional, accessible, and truly cares about their clients, use Cairns Law Offices. They made a difficult process as smooth and stress-free as possible, and I'm incredibly grateful for their support.

Response from James D.
February 25, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear we could make a difficult process easier for you. Your gratitude means a lot, and we're always here if you need assistance in the future.
Divorce
Posted by Brian
February 23, 2025
Hired Attorney

Super quick and easy. The hardest part of the whole process was getting my now ex-wife to sign the papers. 10/10 will definitely use them for my next divorce and recommend them to my friends and family.

Response from James D.
February 23, 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad the process was quick and easy for you. We appreciate your recommendation and are here if you ever need assistance in the future.
Divorce
Posted by Martin
February 17, 2025
Hired Attorney

From day one, they were truly professional and courteous with my needs involving a divorce. They truly made this a very smooth, and stress free endeavor. They were informative, precise, and helpful with every step along this process. I cannot offer enough thanks for everything they did along this chapter of my life. They explained everything, responded quickly, and everything was resolved with both parties feeling pleased with the outcome.

 
Response from James D.
February 17, 2025
Thank you so much for your generous feedback! We're so glad we could provide you with a smooth and stress-free experience during such an important time.
Divorce
Posted by JUDELANDE
February 17, 2025
Hired Attorney

It was fast and easy I didn't have to leave my house and the process was very quick thank you Cairns .....................................................................................................

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.