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Diocese of Fresno Bankruptcy: Abuse Claims and Case Status

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The Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 1, 2025, facing more than 150 abuse lawsuits. The deadline to file claims was February 2, 2026, and 165 survivors filed by then. The case moved into mediation in mid-2026, and no settlement had been announced as of September 18, 2026.

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

Where the Fresno case stands

The diocese covers eight Central California counties: Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mariposa and Tulare. Bishop Joseph Brennan announced the plan to file in May 2024, but the filing was delayed until July 2025.

Formal mediation between the diocese, its insurers and the survivors’ committee was set for the end of June 2026. The committee has been reviewing the diocese’s finances, including pension programme records, to see what is available for a settlement.

What this means if you were abused in the Diocese of Fresno

The main claims deadline has passed. If you filed, a claims reviewer appointed by the committee will score your claim under survivor-written guidelines once a plan is confirmed. If you did not file, get advice quickly on whether a late claim is possible.

Diocese of Fresno bankruptcy at a glance

DebtorThe Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno (parishes, the school corporation and Catholic Charities are not debtors)
CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California
Case number25-12231
JudgeRené Lastreto II
FiledJuly 1, 2025
Claims deadlineFebruary 2, 2026 (passed)
Claims filed165 survivors
Status (September 18, 2026)In mediation; no settlement announced
Case documentsAngeion Group: bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbf
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

What was the deadline to file a claim in the Fresno diocese bankruptcy?
February 2, 2026. 165 survivors filed claims by that date. Late claims are allowed only in limited circumstances.
Has the Diocese of Fresno settled with abuse survivors?
No settlement had been announced as of September 18, 2026. The case was in mediation between the diocese, its insurers and the survivors’ committee.
Are Fresno parishes part of the diocese bankruptcy?
No. Only the Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno filed. Parishes, the school corporation and Catholic Charities are separate, though any plan is likely to address their contributions.
Where can I see the Fresno diocese bankruptcy docket?
The claims agent, Angeion Group, publishes the docket free at bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbf. The case number is 25-12231 in the Eastern District of California.
Can I still file a claim in the Fresno diocese 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 Fresno diocese 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

Related pages

Sources

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Abused in the Diocese of Fresno? You may still have a claim.

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