Archdiocese of Baltimore Bankruptcy: Abuse Claims and Case Status
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The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 29, 2023, two days before Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023 took effect. Between 900 and 1,000 survivors have claims. In early August 2026 the judge refused to approve the disclosure statements for both the archdiocese’s plan and the survivors’ plan, so no plan has yet gone to a vote.
Facts checked September 18, 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
The competing Baltimore plans
The archdiocese and the survivors’ committee each filed a reorganisation plan. By June 2026 the archdiocese’s plan totalled about $246 million, including a $100 million contribution from The Hartford agreed in April 2026. The committee’s plan proposed about $441.3 million and has argued that the church has far more assets than it is offering.
In early August 2026, Judge Harner denied approval of both disclosure statements without prejudice, finding them confusing, missing important information and containing terms that could not be confirmed. She raised concerns that the archdiocese’s plan might not be proposed in good faith and did not disclose all its assets, and that the committee’s plan improperly required schools and other affiliates to pay. A confirmation hearing that had been expected in September 2026 was put in doubt.
What this means if you were abused in the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Maryland’s 2023 law removed time limits for child sexual abuse claims against institutions, but the state has since changed its damages caps for cases filed from June 1, 2025. How those caps apply inside the bankruptcy is one reason the two sides value claims so differently.
You will be able to vote once a disclosure statement is approved. Until then, keep your contact details up to date with your lawyer and the claims agent.
Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy at a glance
| Debtor | The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore |
|---|---|
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland |
| Case number | 23-16969 |
| Judge | Michelle M. Harner |
| Filed | September 29, 2023 |
| Abuse claims | Between 900 and 1,000 |
| Archdiocese plan | About $246 million (about $44 million archdiocese, $17 million parishes and other entities, the rest insurers), as of June 2026 |
| Survivors’ committee plan | About $441.3 million, as of June 2026 |
| Status (September 18, 2026) | Both disclosure statements denied without prejudice in early August 2026; revised plans expected |
| Case documents | Epiq Corporate Restructuring (claims agent); court case page at mdb.uscourts.gov |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Baltimore archdiocese offering abuse survivors?
Why did the judge reject the Baltimore bankruptcy plans?
How many survivors have claims against the Archdiocese of Baltimore?
Where can I see the Baltimore archdiocese bankruptcy docket?
Can I still file a claim in the Baltimore archdiocese bankruptcy if I missed the deadline?
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim in the Baltimore archdiocese bankruptcy?
See all frequently asked questions
Related pages
Sources
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland: In re Roman Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore, case 23-16969
- SNAP / WBAL-TV: Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy plans in play at federal court (June 8, 2026)
- BishopAccountability / Fox 45: judge rejects competing bankruptcy plans (August 7, 2026)
- The Baltimore Banner: insurer agrees to pay $100 million in archdiocese bankruptcy
Abused in the Archdiocese of Baltimore? You may still have a claim.
Tell us briefly what happened. The legal team will review it and explain your options, with no cost and no obligation.
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