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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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 anonymous
December 21, 2020
Hired Attorney

Great service for a great value. They communicate very well and are fast and to the point Definitely would recommend.

Response from James D.
December 21, 2020
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 21, 2020
Hired Attorney

Carins is super affordable, super fast, and super easy. I was married for 6 months separated for 6 years! I finally decedied it was time to make it official and just be done!!! Thank you carins for that speedy process and during covid to!

Response from James D.
December 21, 2020
Thank you for your kind words. We are so very glad to help.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 20, 2020
Hired Attorney

Working with this lawyer was comforting and they were very responsive in getting my divorce finalized. It was the most streamlined process and very simplistic. The team that handled my case was also very good at following up and making sure I had all of the information needed to feel confident in what I was doing. This is NOT a scam or some quick take your money while you do all of the work type of lawyer. This was real and a truly great experience in something that could be very confusing for people trying to get a divorce. I’m very happy I worked with them and the result was favorable. Thank you again to the team and Jim at the Cairns Law Offices.

 
Response from James D.
December 20, 2020
It was a pleasure working with you. We aim to please. Glad we could make this process an easy one for you.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 20, 2020
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law offices eliminated a lot of stress and unnecessary wasted time. The process was super easy and convenient. The entire process was online and step by step instructions (read carefully to avoid additional fees) via email. One trip to the notary and post office. Before I knew it I received an email with a copy of my divorce decree.

 
Response from James D.
December 20, 2020
Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 17, 2020
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Office workers are understanding, responsible and organized. It was a lot of ups and downs due to this pandemic but we communicated and kept the process going. Finally won the case and may they help more people.

Response from James D.
December 17, 2020
Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 16, 2020
Hired Attorney

Cairns law offices was simply amazing. I thank God for Becky one of the associates. Whenever I had a question no matter how small or big, I received a rapid response. I never had to say, wow when will they answer my email. The fee was economically favorable. This law office really cared for the people of God. I speak of my experience. God has blessed me with this law office and ordered my steps to them. I highly recommend this law office to my friends and family. Thank you Becky for your consistent compassion and encouragement every step of my process. I have done the rapid process for the divorce (4-6 weeks) and my process was done 2 Weeks ahead of schedule. Only God could of touch the Judge and the law offices to expedite this trying process. God bless you Cairns office and your associates. I am so ever grateful for your professionalism. Peace and love , To God be all the glory. Respectfully, Maureen Fort

 
Response from James D.
December 16, 2020
Thank you for your kind words. Becky is a great person with a big heart and we are glad to have her on our team.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 16, 2020
Hired Attorney

Made this wayyyy easier than I thought! I can’t thank you guys enough! Something i thought would be difficult was easy thanks to you guys! Worth every penny!

Response from James D.
December 16, 2020
It was a pleasure. Glad we could get this divorce done in a quick way for you. Enjoy the new chapter of your life.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 15, 2020
Hired Attorney

It was a pleasure working with the law office, the communicated with me and updating me on the progress of the case.

Response from James D.
December 15, 2020
We strive to make sure that our clients always understand what part of the process they are in. Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 11, 2020
Hired Attorney

Working with this law firm has been great, they were very determined to get my case solved, and I am happy it is all over

Response from James D.
December 11, 2020
It was a pleasure working with you.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 11, 2020
Hired Attorney

They are very understanding and helpful.They helped with any questions I had . And are very thorough it getting back to you with a quick response. I would definitely recommend them

Response from James D.
December 11, 2020
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.