If you are thinking about bankruptcy, you might be nervous, scared, or embarrassed. All of those are perfectly natural feelings, but please know that I truly care about all my clients and there will be no judgment with me. I fully understand that people file bankruptcy for all sorts of reasons, from job loss, medical bills, and divorce, to name just a few. Sometimes it is because someone just isn't great with money - and that is OK too! :)

I will be sure to go over all of your options with you, including non-bankruptcy options. I will take my time to explain everything to you so you feel comfortable with any decision you make. I have been told on more than a few occasions that I make filing for bankruptcy fun. So try not to stress and give me a call. The consultation is free and I promise you that you will feel so much better after we talk.

My firm is small, and the lawyers I work with all take pride in being extremely responsive to our clients. You won't be leaving messages, waiting days for someone to get back to you. We know that having a legal issue can be very stressful and when you have a question, you want an answer quickly.

Background: Dawn was born in Queens, New York, and admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1996. She received her associate's degree in 1991 from Westchester Community College in Valhalla, NY, her Bachelor of Science degree in 1993 from Barry University in Miami, Florida, graduating summa cum laude, and her law degree in 1996 from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Dawn has practiced a wide variety of law since being admitted to the bar in 1996, including criminal defense, family law, and bankruptcy. Dawn currently concentrates her practice in the areas of consumer bankruptcy. Dawn has been invovled with the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association for many years, including serving on the board.

Bankruptcy: Dawn handles both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, as well as assisting clients with negotiating with creditors when bankruptcy is not an option or not the option clients wish to pursue. Dawn assists clients with mortgage foreclosures, loan modifications, and the defense of lawsuits by credit card companies and other creditors. Dawn has been practicing bankruptcy law since she became an attorney in 1996.

Dawn is a regular speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association, where she develops courses and teaches other lawyers about technology, bankruptcy, ethics, and criminal defense. Dawn is a former president of the Middle District Bankruptcy Bar Association and currently serves as a board member and co-chair of the Technology and Website Committee.

Dawn was awarded the York County Bar Foundation's Pro Bono Award several times throughout her career and is committed to assisting indigent clients whenever possible.

Dawn's hobbies include cycling, running, photography, quilting and sewing, and hanging out with her dog, Foxy.

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 25%

I help clients figure out the best way to deal with overwhelming debt, whether that be by filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or by negotiating settlements with their creditors or litigating creditor lawsuits.

25%

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 25%

25%

Debt Collection 25%

25%

Debt Settlement 25%

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Payment Methods

Cash
Check

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 29 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

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Location

Fresh Start Law, PLLC

(717) 297-7556

Mobile

1701 W Market Street, York, PA, 17404

freshstartyork.com/

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Dawn Marie Cutaia's Reviews

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Overall Rating
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4.9 /5.0

107 Client Reviews

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5.0

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Practice Areas

Bankruptcy & Debt (55) Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (6) Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (4) Lawsuits & Disputes (4) Debt Settlement (3) Business (2) Debt Collection (2) Foreclosure (2) Child Support (1) Contracts & Agreements (1)

What Clients Mention

Practice Area Knowledge (33) Recommendation (31) Professionalism (29) Case Results (28) Responsiveness (26) Communication Style (22) Compassion (20) Advocacy (19) Character & Conduct (13) General Knowledge (13) Trustworthiness (8) Cost of Services (5) Staff & Support (5) Punctuality (3) Payment Plans (1)

Showing 6 - 10 of 13 reviews | Character & Conduct

Posted by Kim | January 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

A+ Representation

Dawn is hands down the kindest, most compassionate and understanding lawyer I have ever worked with. Bankruptcy is a very scary thing to undertake. It takes a lot of time and consideration to make sure it's the right path for you. From the moment I reached out to Dawn she went above and beyond to mak...e me feel comfortable, confident, and understood. She explained everything in layman's terms and was always available for questions. I was a bit needy at times and not once did she ever express any hint of annoyance at my ridiculous questions and requests (thanks for that!). It was so comforting to have a competent and empathetic individual representing me over the last 5 years. It truly felt like I was a person and not a number or paycheck. I highly recommend Dawn's services for whatever your needs might be. You won't regret it. And while I hope to never need her services again, I would not hesitate for a moment before choosing Dawn to represent me in the future.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last January 22, 2022

Kim - it is perfectly normal to be stressed out during this whole process. I really enjoyed representing you! You deserve your fresh start. Thank you for letting me help you get it :) - Dawn

Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

The only lawyer I ever hope to have!

I made some really stupid mistakes trying to make ends meet as a single parent, and it ended up coming back to me. I was being sued by a few credit card companies and had no choice but to file bankruptcy. I found Dawn through Google and she was so helpful from the very beginning. She walked me t...hrough everything thoroughly so I understood what was going on and never once made me feel awful for going through something like this. She answered every question I had quickly and thoroughly. Even after my bankruptcy was filed and I was still getting harassed by a few companies, she went out of her way to address the issue to make them stop. Dawn helped me relieve the stress from my life and start fresh. It's only been 2 months since my bankruptcy was finalized, but I feel like a completely new person with a decent credit score for once haha If anyone ever needs assistance, she is and always will be the one I recommend!

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last October 04, 2021

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! You shouldn't feel like you made mistakes as a single parent. Honestly, everything is so expensive and people everywhere are struggling just to make ends meet. Everywhere you turn there are all these little expenses that really add up. Plus we are bombarded with advertisements pushing us to spend money literally all the time. Being a single parent just makes it even harder. Enjoy your fresh start - you deserve it!

Posted by Greg | July 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

DAWN IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!

I'm a small business owner in central Pa. I was in a place, that I just could NOT imagine that I would ever be in financially. I got myself into a bind. After struggling what do to and what not to do for some time, I made the call to Dawn. Now, I have to tell everyone...that I'm what I call a "basket... case client" lol. My nerves were shot....I was a complete mess. Not knowing what to do, where to start, what to say, how to say it. And on the other end of my phone line.....was the calmest, coolest most collected, confident, well spoken put you at ease gal I have EVER met! That was/is Dawn. She put me at ease right away. She talked to me like I was a person, like I mattered, and made me feel like I wasn't alone. And I was NOT alone with Dawn. She answered EVERY question I had. She answered every one of my "OMG WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO"! Texts. I'm the kind of person that needs reassurance. That I'm on the right path, that I'm doing this the right way. She gave that to me and MORE! And I NEEDED THAT! VERY, VERY MUCH! As a small business owner, I struggled with the decisions I made. How did I get to this place? Am I the only one in the world that has dropped the ball like this? Can I rebuild my company? Can I get another shot at trying? Guys and gals reading this.....DAWN GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO DO THIS! And CONTINUE TO DO THIS! I have a clean slate! And I'm gonna give it my all to build this again! Dawn was and IS a HUGE PART OF THAT. I'm not the most well spoken, or articulate person writing this review. I know that. But let me tell you....DAWN IS FREAKING AWESOME!!! I absolutely ADORE this woman! You want someone who shoots straight from the hip....cuts through the crap....Tells you what's up....guides you, and TALKS TO YOU LIKE A PERSON.....THIS RIGHT HERE IS THE LADY YOU TALK TO! I'm VERY fortunate to have made this call, and found Dawn. I'm telling you I was in tears over the decision to file. This was a TOUGH decision for me. I just had a hard time admitting to myself I needed help. I'm a guy....what do you expect... :) If you're considering calling an attorney...If your nerves are COMPLETELY SHOT.....CALL DAWN. Talk to her.....let her talk to you. She's the real deal. She's as real as real can get. I actually miss blowing up her phone with 20 questions while she's trying to relax....lol... Thanks for reading....:)

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last July 01, 2019

Greg - you are awesome :) I am so glad everything worked out for you and you can text me any time you want LOL.

Posted by Jlb | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Mrs.

Dawn is a phenomenal attorney, both professional and friendly. Let me just say I was a little reluctant because much of the business is handled online and you’ll probably never meet her face to face. In the end, I found this method of business to be more convenient. She is easy to talk to and takes h...er time to explain everything. I never felt rushed or like she had something better to do. She returns emails and other correspondences in a timely manner. For my case, she seemed to always be available, as if she never sleeps. With such a stressful financial situation, sleep was not at the top of my list. If I emailed in the middle of the night she would sometimes respond before I woke for work. I found her to be thorough and precise. Her years of experience allowed her to foresee questions the courts may pose and answer them before asked. She was extremely patient and calm which helped make the difficult decision and process bareable. When I struggled emotionally about the reality of my financial situation, she never judged me and calmly reassured me that I was not bad or abnormal for having financial challenges. If you are faced with the need to file bankruptcy I highly recommend her. She will guide you every step of the way preparing you for what’s to come so you can make informed decisions.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last January 29, 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was truly a pleasure to represent you- you always responded to MY emails just as fast :) The online meeting works really well for many people since we are all so busy these days. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review and if there is anything I can ever help you with in the future just let me know! Dawn

Posted by anonymous | June 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Chapter 7

Dawn did an excellent job for me! I tell her she was an angel sent from above...After a man I was married to for 18 years decided to leave I was drowning in debt. Three judgements against me and one on the way. Working everyday of the week I was still getting no where. One day I just happen to stumbl...e on Dawn's advert and it jumped out at me. Set up an appointment immediately. She listens to all you have to say without making judgement; she truly wants to help and DOES! I was scared to death and didn't have a clue what I was going to do...walking out of her office after consultation I felt peace..... Just amazing. She returns emails very quickly and her website explains everything you need to know. Cost is way below average. I would definitely recommend her services to everyone. A caring professional attorney.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last June 03, 2018

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I am so glad you felt comfortable with me and that I helped you get back on your feet :)

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