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
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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Divorce
Posted by charles
April 14, 2022
Hired Attorney

Working with this office was an great experience, every question or concern I had was quickly answered and my mind was put at ease.

Response from James D.
April 14, 2022
We work hard to try to make sure we are able to get back to our client's questions within 24 hours or less once received. So glad we were able to get you divorced with ease.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
April 13, 2022
Hired Attorney

Cairns handled my divorce quickly and professionally. I appreciate what you guys did in the midst of a difficult time.

Response from James D.
April 13, 2022
It was a pleasure working with you. I wish you the best in your future ventures.
Divorce
Posted by ROBERT S
April 04, 2022
Hired Attorney

Amazing service, and got my divorce done as promised I would highly recommend to anyone that needs legal work done

Response from James D.
April 04, 2022
Thank you for the recommendations. It is appreciated.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
April 04, 2022
Hired Attorney

The Cairns Law Offices did for me in 7 weeks what my first attorney didn't do after 11 months. I hired the Cairns Law Firm to help me finalize my divorce. I couldn't have asked for a better experience after going through hell with my first attorney. The Cairns Law Firm is very communicative with quick response times, and overall professional. And they got it done! Would highly recommend. - A divorcée

 
Response from James D.
April 04, 2022
So glad that we were able to get your divorce finalized and help you begin your new journey in life. Thank you for your recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by Denise
April 03, 2022
Hired Attorney

Very quick to respond to emails. If you are able to follow instructions this is simple to complete. I had only 2 questions, both were answered literally within 24 hours or less. Only issue I had was after waiting required 30 days for word on final decree, I emailed office on day 32, to find out they had received it about a week prior and I guess it just got missed being mailed to me, but they mailed next day, so I still received promptly. In total, from beginning to end, everything was handled quickly, easily and with no problem. My ex's lawyer wanted $2500 just as retainer....this entire divorce cost less than a tenth of that....and no trip to attorney office!!

 
Response from James D.
April 03, 2022
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by Jennifer
April 01, 2022
Hired Attorney

They made everything easy to understand!! They were efficient and timely!! I would definitely recommend them!!

Response from James D.
April 01, 2022
We strive to make the instructions easy to follow and understand. Glad we were able to help. Thank you for your recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 30, 2022
Hired Attorney

Anything I didn't understand I was able to email my question and they provided better explanation. They were fast with responding. I was very satisfied even though the 90 day waiting period seemed to take forever otherwise it was smooth, prompt, professional, and respectful.

Response from James D.
March 30, 2022
THank you for the kind words.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 26, 2022
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Offices staff have been nothing but professional and prompt with replies and follow ups during this long process I did not anticipate. It's very much appreciated since communication has been eroding with just about every other company, firm or any establishment for that matter. Highly recommend Cairns Law offices services and professional staff.

 
Response from James D.
March 26, 2022
We strive to make this process as easy and fast as possible. Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by erin
March 24, 2022
Hired Attorney

I used their online divorce format. I did not need a name change, property division or custody filings. So I can’t speak to those matters. But in uncontested divorce, hands down this is the way to go! $250 for a divorce including filing fees! it went very quickly as well. I am super pleased with their services!

Response from James D.
March 24, 2022
We are so glad to hear that you are pleased. Thank you.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 24, 2022
Hired Attorney

This Law Firm provides excellent service. The online divorce process is very straight forward. They are transparent and cost effective. Initial consultation is telephonic. Further communication is done via e-mail, which is quick and free of charge extra charge. Instructions are detailed and they even provide templates. There are various options for for the speed of processing depending on the client's needs. I am very please with their professional and diligent service. I definitely recommend them.

 
Response from James D.
March 24, 2022
Yes, we make sure that we are very clear and concise with our instructions and emails. We strive to make sure that we handle every case professionally and respond to emails and/or questions promptly. Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.

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.