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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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 Brad
June 28, 2024
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Offices walked me through, step-by-step, getting a no fault divorce. They made every step easy to understand and accomplish, which was a huge relief. I’d recommend them to anyone else in my situation.

Response from James D.
June 28, 2024
Thank you for the recommendation. We hope to make it an easy-to-understand process for all of our clients, and are glad to hear you had a positive experience with our office.
Divorce
Posted by Evony
June 06, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with Carin’s lawyer’s was an amazing yet quick experience. They were very professional and on time. All you need to do is, follow their instructions and it all will work out. Thank you for the amazing service!

Response from James D.
June 06, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for the kind words. We strive to make it a good process that doesn't take too much time.
Divorce
Posted by Rhonda
June 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I looked online for a lawyer for my divorce. I was pleased to find the Cairns firm available in my home state after moving to another. The pricing is reasonable. Everything is explained repeatedly. There are no surprise expenses. You receive exactly what you pay for. All my questions were answered by email. The process was explained in simple terms. I was sent emails reminding me of critical dates that forms had to submitted. The forms are sent with very specific, simple terms to understand, and step by step instructions. Contact information is available with every communication by email, phone, and location. I would highly recommend Cairns Law Offices!

 
Response from James D.
June 05, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for the kind words. We really do appreciate the recommendation and are so glad to hear you had a positive experience.
Divorce
Posted by Daveen
June 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

I tried filing my divorce on my own in PA and it kept getting rejected so I decided to try out Carins. I was hesitant at first since i wasnt sure about online lawyers but after thorough research I went for it and decided to file my divorce online. It was the easiest process and I was able to get my divorce decree in less than 4 weeks. Everything was simple and they provided every step to avoid errors or delays. I would recommend their services to anyone looking to get a divorce. It was worth every penny.

 
Response from James D.
June 05, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for the recommendation. We are so glad to hear you had a positive experience. We strive to make this difficult time easier for our clients.
Divorce
Posted by Sara
June 05, 2024
Hired Attorney

My divorce was completed easily and with no issues. The Email communication was always prompt and professional. Hopefully I won't need his services again but if I do, I won't hesitate to hire him again.

Response from James D.
June 05, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and we are happy to hear you had such a positive experience.
Divorce
Posted by Maria
May 21, 2024
Hired Attorney

The services provided by Cairns Law office were phenomenal. Every step of the divorce process was detailed and easy to follow. The process was quick and stress free. I would highly recommended their services.

Response from James D.
May 21, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and recommendation. We hope to make the process quick and stress free for all clients, and we're glad you had such a good experience.
Divorce
Posted by Brianna
May 21, 2024
Hired Attorney

Cairn’s Law Firm was great. This was a first time divorce for me and I was completely out of my element. Cairn’s explained things when I had questions and always responded almost immediately. Their services were top tier and I would definitely use them again in the future if needed. Typically divorces can cost a lot of money, but my experience has been pretty cost efficient. Definitely below the $1500 range for in total costs. I will say that Cairn’s is very specific in the way things are submitted, so make sure to follow directions to avoid additional fees/delays. Otherwise I had a great experience.

 
Response from James D.
May 21, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and for the kind words. We strive to make it an easy-to-follow process and understandable instructions.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
May 16, 2024
Hired Attorney

Starting this process was scary and this firm explained everything perfectly and as long as you follow directions as explained the whole thing went so easily and smoothly. Thank you so much for everything!!! Well worth the money to take away the stress. And, the peace brought into my life is priceless. They did everything exactly how it was explained. Super Appreciated!

 
Response from James D.
May 16, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and such kind words. We hope to make it an easy process for all our clients, and we're glad you had such a good experience.
Divorce
Posted by Tamika
May 15, 2024
Hired Attorney

Straight to the point, everything is through email, legit and all you have to do is follow the directions exactly as they tell you, and you won't have any problems. Any questions or concerns just email them and they will respond like they say.

Response from James D.
May 15, 2024
Thank you for the kind words. We hope to respond very quickly to our clients and take care of any issues with ease.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
April 25, 2024
Hired Attorney

Very happy with your service. Divorced in 3 weeks after submitting paperwork, responded quickly and thoroughly to my questions and was affordable for me. I will always recommend you all. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Response from James D.
April 25, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave the kind words and recommendation. We appreciate it!

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.