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Diocese of Rochester Bankruptcy: The $256 Million Survivor Fund

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The Diocese of Rochester filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 12, 2019, the first New York diocese to do so after the Child Victims Act. On September 5, 2025, Judge Paul R. Warren confirmed its plan, creating a $256.35 million fund for survivors of sexual abuse and bringing the six-year case to an end.

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

The Rochester plan

The Eighth Amended Joint Plan was filed by the diocese and the survivors’ committee together. Of the $256.35 million fund, $55 million comes from the diocese and affiliated Catholic entities and the rest from insurers. An earlier version of the plan had proposed a much smaller fund of $126.35 million before further insurer settlements were reached.

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

Survivors with filed claims are paid from the settlement trust under the plan’s rules. If you have questions about your claim or payment, contact the trust or your lawyer.

Confirmed plans usually release the diocese, its parishes and settling insurers from further abuse claims. If you never filed a claim, a lawyer can check whether the plan leaves any route open to you.

Diocese of Rochester bankruptcy at a glance

DebtorThe Diocese of Rochester
CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York
Case number2-19-20905
JudgePaul R. Warren
FiledSeptember 12, 2019
Abuse claimsMore than 550
Settlement fund$256.35 million ($55 million from the diocese and affiliates; the rest from insurers)
StatusPlan confirmed September 5, 2025
Case documentsStretto: case.stretto.com/rochesterdiocese
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 Rochester diocese settlement?
The confirmed plan creates a $256.35 million settlement fund for survivors. The diocese and affiliated entities contribute $55 million and insurers the rest.
Is the Diocese of Rochester bankruptcy over?
Yes. Judge Paul R. Warren confirmed the plan on September 5, 2025, closing a case that had lasted almost six years.
How many abuse claims were filed against the Diocese of Rochester?
More than 550 abuse claims were filed in the bankruptcy.
Where can I see the Rochester diocese bankruptcy docket?
The claims agent, Stretto, publishes the docket and plan documents free at case.stretto.com/rochesterdiocese. The case number is 2-19-20905.
Can I still file a claim in the Rochester 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 Rochester 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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