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Diocese of Sacramento Bankruptcy: Abuse Claims and Case Status

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The Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 1, 2024, after more than 250 lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse by clergy and employees going back to the 1950s. No settlement has been announced. The court has given the diocese until September 30, 2026 to file a reorganisation plan, and mediation was continuing in September 2026.

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

Where the Sacramento case stands

Mediation is being led by mediator Roger Kramer, and the survivors’ committee reported “meaningful progress” toward a settlement in September 2026. The court has extended the diocese’s deadline to file a plan to September 30, 2026.

The diocese has agreed to sell eighteen properties. In June 2026 the court approved the sale of 53 acres in Vacaville for about $23.55 million.

In July 2025 Judge Klein allowed four survivors to take their cases to state court to help establish what juries would award. Two insurers appealed.

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

If a settlement is reached, it will be built into a plan you can vote on. Property sale proceeds and insurance money are likely to be the main sources of any survivors’ trust.

Diocese of Sacramento bankruptcy at a glance

DebtorThe Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento
CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California
Case number24-21326
JudgeChristopher M. Klein
FiledApril 1, 2024
Abuse lawsuitsMore than 250
SettlementNone announced
Status (September 18, 2026)Mediation continuing; plan filing deadline extended to September 30, 2026
Case documentsAngeion Group: bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsacramento
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

Has the Sacramento diocese bankruptcy settled?
No settlement had been announced as of September 18, 2026. Mediation was continuing, and the diocese must file a reorganisation plan by September 30, 2026.
How many abuse lawsuits led to the Sacramento diocese bankruptcy?
More than 250 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors by clergy and other employees, dating back to the 1950s.
Is the Diocese of Sacramento selling property to pay abuse survivors?
Yes. It has agreed to sell eighteen properties, including 53 acres in Vacaville approved for sale in June 2026 for about $23.55 million.
Where can I see the Sacramento diocese bankruptcy docket?
The claims agent, Angeion Group, publishes the docket free at bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsacramento. The case number is 24-21326 in the Eastern District of California.
Can I still file a claim in the Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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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