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 22 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Alicia | January 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney

BEST LAWYER EVER

Dawn is an amazing person on top of being an amazing lawyer. She is very knowledgeable. She explains things in a way that everyone can understand. She is up front and does not sugar coat anything. We love that. We knew what we were getting into and what we needed to do. We have used her services ...twice. We have recommended her to a few people, even family. We would 100% recommended her to anyone looking for a lawyer. She is great!

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last February 14, 2023

Thank you SO much for writing this review and for saying such truly nice things :) I am glad I was able to help both you and your husband - you both work hard and deserve a break. I'm always here if you need me again. - Dawn

Posted by Noel | September 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Excellent Service!

Ms. Cutaway provided an excellent service. She was knowledgeable, forthcoming, prompt, and attentive from consultation to execution. She told me precisely what I could expect, kept me apprised at every step of the process, and delivered the hoped for result!

Dawn Cutaia

Replied last September 04, 2022

Noel - thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. I am truly glad everything worked out for you - and if you need me again don't hesitate to reach out :)

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 Mathew | March 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Honest and genuine!

Dawn M. Cutaia handled my bankruptcy case. Throughout the entire process, she made a very difficult and stressful situation easier to handle. Dawn is responsive and easy to reach. All of my questions were answered quickly via text, email or phone call. The one thing that stood out to me from the very... beginning, is that Dawn actually takes an interest in her Clients. From day one she heard me out, my personal story of how I found myself in the mess I was consumed by. Other attorneys I had spoken to were in such a hurry to tell you what the fees were and get you off of the phone. Dawn took the time to understand my personal situation before we ever discussed a fee. On that note, the fees were less expensive than other larger Law Firms. Less cost and way more personal interaction and attention to detail. I hate the fact that I was in this situation to begin with, but I am blessed that I found Dawn M. Cutaia to help me through to the other side. Now I can begin to correct my financial course.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last October 04, 2021

Matt - thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review - and I'm sorry for the delay in responding to it - I must have missed the notification. I am so glad that you had a positive experience and also felt that my fees were reasonable - that makes me happy! Thank you again - I truly hope you are enjoying your fresh start :)

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!

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