Archdiocese of San Francisco Bankruptcy: The $395 Million Settlement

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The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 21, 2023, facing more than 500 abuse lawsuits filed under California’s AB 218 revival window. On June 29, 2026, it announced an agreement in principle to pay $395 million to about 530 survivors. The deal still has to be written into a reorganisation plan that survivors vote on and the court confirms.

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

The San Francisco agreement

Survivors’ lawyers describe the $395 million as the largest settlement per survivor in any Catholic bankruptcy, averaging roughly $745,000 each before fees. The archdiocese is also assigning its rights under its insurance policies to survivors, so they can pursue insurers for more.

The agreement includes non-monetary terms: a personal apology letter from Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone to each survivor, publication of a list of clergy accused of abuse, release from confidentiality agreements and a ban on new ones, and stronger child protection measures.

What this means if you were abused in the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Each survivor’s share will be set by an allocation process developed by the survivors’ committee, not by an equal split. If you filed a claim, you will receive a ballot once the plan is filed and the court approves the disclosure statement.

Earlier in the case, Judge Montali allowed two lawsuits that were close to trial to go ahead in state court and ordered unusual disclosures, including the archdiocese’s independent review board minutes.

Archdiocese of San Francisco bankruptcy at a glance

Debtor	The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco
Court	U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California
Case number	23-30564
Judge	Dennis Montali
Filed	August 21, 2023
Survivors	About 530 (more than 500 AB 218 lawsuits)
Settlement	$395 million agreement in principle, plus assignment of insurance rights to survivors
Status (September 18, 2026)	Litigation paused while the parties draft a consensual plan
Case documents	Omni Agent Solutions: omniagentsolutions.com/RCASF

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 San Francisco archdiocese settlement?

$395 million, announced on June 29, 2026 as an agreement in principle for about 530 survivors. The archdiocese is also assigning its insurance rights to survivors so they can seek more from insurers.

How much will each San Francisco survivor receive?

The average is roughly $745,000 before fees, but individual amounts will be set by an allocation process developed by the survivors’ committee, so payments will differ.

Has the San Francisco settlement been approved by the court?

Not yet. As of September 18, 2026, the parties were drafting a Chapter 11 plan. Survivors must vote on it and the court must confirm it before payments are made.

Where can I see the San Francisco archdiocese bankruptcy docket?

The claims agent, Omni Agent Solutions, publishes the docket free at omniagentsolutions.com/RCASF. The case number is 23-30564 in the Northern District of California.

Can I still file a claim in the San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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