Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy: The $230 Million Settlement

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The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 1, 2020. After more than five years, Judge Meredith Grabill confirmed its plan on December 8, 2025, creating a $230 million settlement trust for about 600 survivors. Payments had been expected to start in spring 2026, but as of May 2026 they had not begun, with survivors’ lawyers pointing to claim reviews and fee disputes.

Facts checked September 18, 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

The New Orleans settlement

The trust is funded with $130 million in cash on the plan’s effective date, $70 million from the sale of the Christopher Homes senior housing properties, backed by promissory notes, and about $30 million from settling insurers. In November 2025 the court joined about 156 parishes and related entities to the case so they could be covered by the plan. Additional insurance money was expected to bring the trust to about $304 million.

The plan also includes child protection and transparency commitments, including a public database of past abuse cases. The judge rejected objections from the insurer Travelers when confirming the plan.

What this means if you were abused in the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Survivors with claims are paid by the settlement trust after their claims are reviewed and scored. In May 2026 survivors’ lawyers said payments were delayed because hundreds of claims were still being reviewed, and they expected payments to start in autumn 2026.

Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy at a glance

Debtor	The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Court	U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
Case number	20-10846
Judge	Meredith S. Grabill
Filed	May 1, 2020
Survivors	About 600
Settlement trust	$230 million ($130 million cash, $70 million from the Christopher Homes sale, about $30 million insurers); expected to grow to about $304 million
Status	Plan confirmed December 8, 2025; payments expected from autumn 2026 (May 2026 reporting)

State Law Notice: Laws governing civil claims for religious institution abuse vary significantly by state. Filing deadlines, lookback windows, and available defendants differ depending on where the abuse occurred and your current state of residence. The information on this page is general in nature. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon without first speaking to a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the New Orleans archdiocese settlement?

The confirmed plan creates a $230 million settlement trust, and additional insurance money was expected to bring it to about $304 million, according to May 2026 reporting.

When will New Orleans archdiocese abuse survivors be paid?

Payments were originally expected around April 2026 but were delayed while hundreds of claims were reviewed. In May 2026 survivors’ lawyers expected payments to begin in autumn 2026.

When was the New Orleans archdiocese bankruptcy plan confirmed?

Judge Meredith Grabill confirmed the plan on December 8, 2025, more than five years after the archdiocese filed on May 1, 2020.

Are New Orleans parishes covered by the bankruptcy plan?

Yes. In November 2025 the court joined about 156 parishes and related entities to the case so the plan could cover them, and they contribute to the settlement.

Can I still file a claim in the New Orleans archdiocese bankruptcy if I missed the deadline?

Possibly, but it is difficult. Courts allow late claims only in limited circumstances, and some plans set aside a process for survivors who come forward later. Get advice quickly, because every month can matter.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim in the New Orleans archdiocese bankruptcy?

You are not required to have one, but claims are scored and paid under detailed plan rules, and the information you give affects the amount you receive. A lawyer can prepare your claim, explain your options and represent you if the claim is challenged. Our case reviews are free and confidential.

See all frequently asked questions

Sources

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What type of institution was involved?

Catholic Church / DioceseProtestant / Evangelical ChurchLDS / Mormon ChurchJehovah's WitnessesReligious SchoolChurch Camp / Youth MinistryOther Religious Institution