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. Cairns III

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4 stars
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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
5.0
Divorce
Posted by Angela
January 19, 2026
Hired Attorney

I had an excellent experience working with Cairns Law Offices during my divorce. From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They took the time to answer every question I had—no matter how small—and made sure I fully understood each step of the process. Divorce can be overwhelming, but Cairns Law Offices provided clear guidance, reassurance, and consistent communication, which made a difficult situation much more manageable. Their attention to detail, compassion, and commitment to their clients truly set them apart. I always felt supported and confident that my case was being handled with care and expertise. I highly recommend Cairns Law Offices to anyone seeking reliable, skilled, and trustworthy legal representation.

 
Divorce
Posted by Jaquelyn
January 13, 2026
Hired Attorney

I was really lost on how to start my divorce but Cairns Law Offices made it easy. They were fast at responding and the whole process was smooth. Im so appreciative. (Side note: I was actually referred to them by a reddit post I made)

Response from
Thank you for describing your experience. We’re glad our clear guidance helped bring you relief during such an overwhelming time.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 10, 2026
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law Offices was easy and quick. I started the process in September for my divorce and it was granted on December 18th! The only reason it took a little longer was because we had to wait the 90 days per Pennsylvania law since my ex husband and I were not separated for 1 year. Always responded to my questions and updates. The paperwork provided was easy to fill out since they give you instructions the whole way.

 
Response from
We're grateful you felt supported and informed throughout. Thank you for trusting Cairns Law Offices during such an important time.
Divorce
Posted by Kim
December 11, 2025
Hired Attorney

Fast, easy and very reasonably priced. No hidden fees. Responsive to inquires. This was a very stressful time in my life and they made the process as painless as possible. I would give 10 stars if I could. Highly recommend!

Response from
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Cairns Law Offices. Your recommendation makes a real difference to our team.
Divorce
Posted by Margarita
December 06, 2025
Hired Attorney

Best experience ever. Contacted this law office on October 18th and was granted divorce on November 26th. I did purchase expedited service, but it was so worth it. I would recommend this office to everyone who is looking for a fast process. This law office is very professional, trustworthy, reliable and takes its work very seriously. I would like to thank Cairns Law office for providing me with best service.

 
Response from
Thank you for describing your experience. We’re glad our clear guidance helped bring you relief during such an overwhelming time.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
November 16, 2025
Hired Attorney

working with this lawyer was a good experience i would hire them again if i needed an attorney they were very knowledgeable and walked me through what i needed to do i am thankful that this was the lawyer i picked thank you

Response from
We appreciate your thoughtful feedback and trust. Wishing you all the best as you move forward into this new chapter.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
November 13, 2025
Hired Attorney

Great people very knowledgeable trustworthy responsive helped me with all my questions and made the divorce an easy learning experience for me... it made my life so much better having great attorney's

Response from
Hearing that Cairns Law Offices made the legal process seamless and responsive to your questions is valuable insight for those facing similar experiences.
Divorce
Posted by Marian
October 03, 2025
Hired Attorney

A friend recommended Cairns Law Offices for my divorce. Which was a uncontested divorce. This was a great alternative to going to a lawyer office. Everything was sent via email, then mailed back to the lawyer’s office. It was quick and straightforward. I would recommend them to anyone who needs representation for an uncontested divorce for half the cost of going to a lawyer’s office.

 
Response from
It’s great to know Cairns Law Offices guided you seamlessly and clearly explained each step, making your experience stress-free and straightforward to complete.
Divorce
Posted by John
October 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

Working with the online divorce lawyers was pretty easy and painl. Everything was explained step by step . Everything came back in the time frame they gave me . I would definitely recommend. For the price you can’t beat it.

Response from
Navigating paperwork can be overwhelming, so it's great to hear Cairns Law Offices helped make your divorce process straightforward and stress-free.
Divorce
Posted by Justin
September 26, 2025
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law Offices was a simple process and they handled my case in a quick and efficient manner. The user end process was simple to navigate and the communication on what was required and any deadlines were clearly communicated. I appreciate them for taking what appears as an intimidating process and making it something that is comparatively stress free and comprised of simple instructions. They could not have been better to work with and, if anything, I held them back from it being completed even faster than it was! Regardless, I would recommend working with them to anyone going through this in their lives, as it will significantly reduce the stress that you are feeling and you can rest assured that it will be simple and done correctly. My ex-wife and I appreciate the entire team for their work on this and am thankful to have found them to navigate us through this process.

 
Response from
Delighted we could make the divorce process straightforward for you. Cairns Law Offices aims to provide clear communication and guidance for all clients.

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
2862 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.