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

108 Client Reviews

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5.0

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5 stars 97

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Practice Areas

Bankruptcy & Debt (56) 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 (32) 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 11 - 15 of 28 reviews | Case Results

Posted by Vicki | July 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Absolutely the Best!!

When I found Dawn I was at a very low spot in my life. My ex-husband walked out on me & left me in a mountain of debt. I made calls to try to get help & no one would help me until I called Dawn. She made everything easy for me to understand & had my best interests at heart. When I called her with a... question I got a response very quickly. The best advice she gave me was to use the payroll deduction for my payments. I didn't have to worry about being late with my payment & I didn't miss it from my check. I have a new start with my life & I owe all of that to Dawn. I will recommend her very highly to anyone who needs someone to care about them & their situation. She's the best!!

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last August 09, 2022

Vicki - I will never forget our initial phone call - you were SO anxious. It was so good to talk to you after your case was done and hear all about the good things happening in your life. Thank you too for taking the time to write a review - I appreciate it so much. Enjoy your new life and your fresh start - you deserve it! - Dawn

Posted by Justine | February 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Excellent bankruptcy attorney

Dawn was very helpful with navigating me through the complicated bankruptcy process. I was able to file for Chapter 7 and get a full discharge. She made the process very simple with her online resources and thorough explanation of everything I needed to do.

Dawn Cutaia

Replied last February 09, 2022

Justine - thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It was a pleasure representing you :). Enjoy your fresh start!

Posted by Mathew | March 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

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 Bob | February 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Best lawyer experience

Dawn was a Godsend at a very difficult time for me. She treated me with dignity and respect at a time when I needed that. She was brilliant in her knowledge of bankruptcy law. Most important to me, she was always available, returning my phone calls immediately and answered all of my questions with pr...ofessional competence. Even after the bankruptcy was successfully discharged, she told me I could always ask her questions and she has kept her word. I would be proud to refer her to my family and anyone else I care about.

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Dawn Cutaia

Replied last February 25, 2021

Bob - thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review. I truly appreciate it! I am glad I was able to help you - and absolutely never hesitate to reach out if you need some assistance. Enjoy your fresh start! :)

Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney

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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