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Wenokur Riordan PLLC in Seattle, WA
Seattle-based bankruptcy law firm specializing in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings for individuals and businesses experiencing financial distress.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Wenokur Riordan PLLC Review
Wenokur Riordan PLLC is a Pacific Northwest bankruptcy law firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington, founded by Alan J. Wenokur (practicing since 1983) and staffed with experienced insolvency attorneys including Faye C. Rasch and Nate Riordan.
The firm has deep roots in the region, with Riordan bringing Minneapolis bankruptcy expertise since relocating to Seattle in 2004, and serves clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. The firm represents both debtors and creditors across all major bankruptcy chapters, positioning itself as capable of handling complex multi-party insolvency situations. Wenokur Riordan offers comprehensive bankruptcy services including Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 11 (business reorganization), and Chapter 13 (individual repayment plans) filings, out-of-court workouts and restructurings, debt settlement negotiations, and litigation in bankruptcy court including adversary proceedings and asset disputes.
They specifically highlight experience with fraud claims, discharge litigation, and receivership filings. What distinguishes this firm is their dual representation model—they represent both debtors seeking relief and creditors protecting their interests—suggesting sophisticated understanding of all stakeholder perspectives. The firm explicitly markets to businesses experiencing cash flow problems and individuals with complex multi-creditor obligations, and lists Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees among their clients.
Client testimonials reference handling recession-related insolvencies and complex multi-obligation restructures. The primary caveat is that this is a traditional law firm charging hourly rates; client feedback notes rates are above market average but justified by outcomes. No pricing, fee structures, or case acceptance criteria are disclosed on the website.
Services & Features
Adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court
Asset dispute resolution
Bankruptcy court litigation and motion practice
Bankruptcy discharge litigation
Chapter 11 business reorganization bankruptcy
Chapter 13 individual repayment plan bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation
Creditor representation in bankruptcy cases
Debt settlement and negotiation
Financial fraud litigation
Out-of-court workouts and restructurings
State court receivership filings
Feature Checklist
Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Attorney Alan J. Wenokur has 40+ years of bankruptcy practice (since 1983) with specialized expertise
- Represents both debtors AND creditors, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of all perspectives in bankruptcy
- Licensed to practice throughout Pacific Northwest, not limited to Washington state
- Handles complex cases including asset disputes, financial fraud claims, and discharge litigation
- Works with Chapter 7 trustees, indicating deep integration with bankruptcy system
- Offers out-of-court workouts and restructures as alternatives to formal bankruptcy filing
- Multi-attorney firm (Wenokur, Rasch, Riordan) allows specialization and case capacity
Cons
- No pricing information disclosed; client testimonials suggest above-market hourly rates
- No indication of case acceptance criteria or whether they handle low-income clients
- Website does not mention acceptance of payment plans or financing for legal fees
- No information on initial consultation fees or whether consultations are free
- Minimal online review presence or rating data available to evaluate service quality
Rating Breakdown
Value 5.0
Effectiveness 3.5
Customer Service 3.9
Transparency 3.5
Ease of Use 4.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wenokur Riordan PLLC legitimate?
Yes. Wenokur Riordan PLLC is a registered company, headquartered in 600 Stewart St # 1300, Seattle, WA 98101.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- 600 Stewart St # 1300, Seattle, WA 98101
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Wenokur Riordan PLLC
Wenokur Riordan PLLC is best for financially distressed business owners and individuals facing complex multi-creditor insolvency situations who need sophisticated legal strategy and can afford above-market hourly rates. The main caveat is that this is a premium law firm with no stated commitment to affordability; prospective clients should confirm they can sustain the cost of representation before engaging.
Best For
- Small to medium-sized businesses facing insolvency or restructuring needs with complex creditor situations
- Individuals with multiple large debts across many creditors requiring strategic bankruptcy planning
- Debtors and creditors involved in litigation over bankruptcy claims or discharge disputes
- Businesses seeking out-of-court workout solutions before formal bankruptcy filing
Updated 2026-04-29
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Read guide →Financial Terms Explained (14 terms)
New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
How Loans Work
Default — Loan Default
When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.
Why it matters
Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.
Example
You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
Legal Terms
CFPB — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
A federal agency created in 2010 to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. They write rules, supervise financial companies, and handle consumer complaints.
Why it matters
The CFPB is your most powerful ally against predatory lenders. Filing a complaint with them gets a response from the company within 15 days — companies take CFPB complaints seriously.
Example
A debt collector calls your workplace after you told them to stop. You file a CFPB complaint online. Within 15 days, the collection agency responds and agrees to stop. The CFPB tracks complaint patterns across all companies.
FDCPA — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
A federal law that limits what debt collectors can do. They can't call before 8am or after 9pm, can't harass you, can't lie, and must stop contacting you if you request in writing.
Why it matters
Knowing your FDCPA rights stops abusive collection tactics. If a collector violates the law, you can sue for up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees.
Example
A collector calls your workplace 3 times after you told them not to. That's 3 FDCPA violations. You hire a consumer attorney (free — they get paid by the collector). The collector settles for $3,000.
Garnishment — Wage Garnishment
A court order that requires your employer to withhold part of your paycheck and send it directly to a creditor. Usually happens after a creditor sues you and wins a judgment.
Why it matters
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable income. Some states have lower limits. Student loans and taxes can be garnished without a court order.
Example
You owe $8,000 on a defaulted credit card. The bank sues, gets a judgment, and garnishes your wages. On a $3,000/month net paycheck, they take $750/month until the debt is paid.
Statute of Limitations — Statute of Limitations (Debt)
A time limit (typically 3-6 years, varies by state) after which a creditor can no longer sue you to collect a debt. The debt still exists, but they lose the legal power to force payment.
Why it matters
Knowing your state's statute of limitations prevents you from being tricked into paying debts that are legally uncollectable. Beware: making a payment can restart the clock.
Example
You have a $3,000 credit card debt from 2019. Your state has a 4-year statute of limitations. In 2024, a collector calls demanding payment. The statute has expired — they cannot sue you.
Debt & Recovery
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy — Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (Reorganization)
A type of bankruptcy where you keep your assets but follow a court-approved 3-5 year repayment plan to pay back some or all of your debts. Stays on credit for 7 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 13 is better than Chapter 7 if you have a home or assets you want to keep. It can stop foreclosure and let you catch up on mortgage payments over 3-5 years.
Example
You're 3 months behind on your mortgage and have $30,000 in credit card debt. Chapter 13 stops foreclosure and puts you on a 5-year plan: you pay $600/month to catch up on the mortgage and pay 40% of the credit card debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy — Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (Liquidation)
A type of bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) by liquidating non-exempt assets. It stays on your credit for 10 years.
Why it matters
Chapter 7 gives you a fresh start but at a steep cost: 10 years on your credit, difficulty getting loans, and you may lose assets. Income must be below your state's median to qualify.
Example
You have $45,000 in credit card debt and earn $35,000/year. Chapter 7 erases the debt. You keep exempt property (basic car, household items). Your score drops to ~500 but you're debt-free.
Charge-Off
When a creditor declares your debt a loss after 180 days of nonpayment and removes it from their books. But you still owe the money — they just stop expecting to collect it themselves.
Why it matters
A charge-off is one of the most damaging entries on your credit report and stays for 7 years. The debt is usually sold to a collection agency who will pursue you for it.
Example
You stop paying your $4,000 credit card. After 180 days, the bank charges it off and sells the debt to a collector for $800. The collector now contacts you demanding the full $4,000 (they profit from what they collect above $800).
Collections — Debt Collections
When an unpaid debt is transferred or sold to a third-party collection agency that specializes in recovering the money. Collection accounts appear on your credit report for 7 years.
Why it matters
Even a $50 collection account can drop your score 50-100 points. Some newer FICO models (FICO 9) ignore paid collections, but many lenders still use older models.
Example
An old $200 gym bill goes to collections. It appears on all 3 credit reports and drops your 720 score to 640. Paying it helps with newer scoring models but under FICO 8 (still widely used), a paid collection still hurts.
Debt Consolidation
Combining multiple debts into one single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies repayment and can reduce total interest.
Why it matters
Consolidation works best when you get a lower rate than your existing debts. But it doesn't reduce what you owe — and extending the term can mean paying more total interest.
Example
You have: $5,000 at 22% (credit card), $3,000 at 18% (store card), $2,000 at 25% (payday loan). A $10,000 consolidation loan at 11% saves you ~$2,100 in interest over 3 years.
Debt Settlement — Debt Settlement / Negotiation
Negotiating with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe — typically 40-60 cents on the dollar. Usually done after you've already fallen behind on payments.
Why it matters
Settlement can save thousands, but it severely damages your credit (settled accounts show for 7 years) and the IRS may tax the forgiven amount as income.
Example
You owe $15,000 on a credit card and negotiate a settlement of $7,500 (50%). You save $7,500 but: your credit drops 100+ points, the account shows 'settled' for 7 years, and you may owe taxes on the $7,500 forgiven.
DTI Ratio — Debt-to-Income Ratio
The percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford another loan payment.
Why it matters
Most lenders want DTI below 36% for personal loans and below 43% for mortgages. Above that, you're considered overextended and likely to be denied.
Example
You earn $5,000/month gross. Your debts: $1,200 mortgage + $300 car + $200 student loans = $1,700/month. DTI = 34%. A new $400/month loan would push you to 42% — risky for lenders.
Judgment — Court Judgment (Debt)
A court ruling that says you legally owe a specific amount to a creditor. It gives the creditor power to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, or place liens on your property.
Why it matters
Judgments are enforceable for 10-20 years (varies by state) and can be renewed. They give creditors far more collection power than a simple unpaid debt.
Example
A credit card company sues you for $8,000 and wins a judgment. They can now garnish 25% of your paycheck ($750/month on a $3,000 net salary) and freeze your bank account.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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