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 | General Knowledge

Posted by Matt | February 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Excellent Guidance and Representation Through Our Chapter 13 Plan

Dawn was an excellent choice when we had to discuss our situation. She was very clear and thorough in laying out the facts and information we needed before we made our decision to file Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Dawn made the process very easy on us and walked us through everything step by step. Durin...g our five year plan life happened and Dawn helped us through it and helped us file an additional motion in regards to needs for a vehicle. Dawn was very quick to respond to our inquiries through email and text message. As we neared the end of our plan Dawn provided all the information we needed as we worked towards our discharge letter. I had many questions about how the process worked and what it all meant and again, she was very quick, clear and thorough on her responses. As she was when we filed she handled this quickly and made it very simple for us to do. Even though we wish we would not have had to file and work through a Chapter 13 plan, we absolutely made the right decision in having Dawn represent us through this.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last February 18, 2021

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review - I really appreciate it. I'm so glad I was able to help you guys get through this - you were both easy to work with and you listened to me and took my advice - so thank you for that too! If you ever need anything further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Posted by Alex | February 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

A Beacon in a Financial Storm

Several years ago, my married life was in poor health and my financial life was also suffering. The two were intertwined. Unexpectedly, my spouse left the home, a significant amount of debt, and I myself was shell shocked when child support payments began. I was in financial hell and that's when I ...contacted Dawn's firm. Dawn provided objective legal advice and provided options so I could make the best decision for me. Dawn was there every step of the way throughout the bankruptcy process. I had many questions as new circumstances arose during the process. Dawn would answer my questions and helped improve the total outcome. I finally got through the entire process and Dawn was there for me at the finish line. My financial health is much improved and I am making wiser choices in my financial future. Many thanks to Dawn and her team.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last February 10, 2020

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review - and I am happy that you had such a positive experience. Divorce is one of the major reasons people have to file bankruptcy and that stress - on top of just the regular stress of filing bankruptcy - can be overwhelming. Thank you for trusting me to help you get through it. :)

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 | November 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

A Lawyer and a Friend

You can only read so much about bankruptcy online before coming to the realization that you need professional help. Uninformed and scared, I had an initial consultation with another bankruptcy attorney before coming to Dawn's office. It's not that Dawn was my second choice, rather the complete resu...lt of my availability. I was uneasy after leaving the first appointment and was relieved that I already had a "second opinion" meeting scheduled. I was immediately at ease upon meeting Dawn. She understood my circumstances and guided me through a Chapter 7, complicated by a small business in my name. She has a complete knowledge of the law. She understands the process, and she knows the players involved too. Dawn's website is informative and easy to navigate. Dawn's communication skills are exceptional. Here ability to truly listen is even better. I could tell by the questions she was asking that she was already thinking ahead. I was obviously nervous and scared of bankruptcy, but Dawn took all of my anxiety away. Because of my complicated case, Dawn and I communicated quite a bit. Our conversations soon began with talk of dogs and hobbies and such before getting to the task at hand. And I knew I wasn't "on the clock" when it was friendly conversation and not strictly attorney-client. I feel that we got to know each other quite well during the process. I am now on the other side. The bankruptcy has been discharged. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have changed anything. I wouldn't want anyone else beside me, Dawn was prepared and professional. She navigated the process, she managed my emotions. I gained a valuable asset "in the rolodex", but I feel that I also gained a friend. Thank you Dawn!

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last November 18, 2018

Thank you so much for these kinds words - and I do love talking about dogs :) LOL. So glad you are doing well. - Dawn

Posted by Nann | September 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Effective and very patient

One of my adult children needed to file bankruptcy. Dawn was very patient. She helped us review the situation and determine whether bankruptcy was appropriate or not and which type to file. She was available to answer questions through the entire process. Since she was not in town at the time of the ...hearing, she lined up Kara Gendron for the hearing. Dawn handed everything. It was completely stress free and went off without any problems. I highly recommend her.

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