Diocese of San Diego Bankruptcy: Abuse Claims and Case Status

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The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 17, 2024, its second bankruptcy filing over clergy abuse. More than 480 survivors have filed claims. As of mid-2026, no reorganisation plan or settlement had been announced, and the diocese and its insurer were challenging more than 160 claims.

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

Where the San Diego case stands

Mediation sessions between the diocese, its insurers and the survivors’ committee continued into 2026. The diocese and its insurer objected to more than 160 claims, and in March 2026 the diocese sought approval to settle 37 individual claims for $75,000 each. Lawyers for some survivors have said the diocese is delaying a resolution.

This is the diocese’s second bankruptcy. Its 2007 case ended when it agreed to settle abuse claims for about $198 million and the bankruptcy was dismissed.

What this means if you were abused in the Diocese of San Diego

If your claim has been objected to, you have the right to respond, and the outcome can decide whether you receive anything. Take any objection notice to a lawyer quickly.

Survivors who filed claims will be able to vote on any plan before the court decides whether to confirm it.

Diocese of San Diego bankruptcy at a glance

Debtor	The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego
Court	U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California
Case number	24-02202
Filed	June 17, 2024
Abuse claims	More than 480
Settlement	None announced as of mid-2026
Status (September 18, 2026)	Mediation and claim objections; no plan announced
Case documents	Angeion Group: bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsd
Earlier case	2007 bankruptcy dismissed after a settlement of about $198 million

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 San Diego diocese bankruptcy settled?

No settlement had been announced as of mid-2026. The case was still in mediation, with disputes over more than 160 claims.

Why is the Diocese of San Diego objecting to abuse claims?

The diocese and its insurer have asked the court to disallow more than 160 claims on legal grounds. Each survivor whose claim is challenged can respond, and the court decides.

Has the San Diego diocese been bankrupt before?

Yes. It filed in 2007, and that case was dismissed after the diocese agreed to settle abuse claims for about $198 million.

Where can I see the San Diego diocese bankruptcy docket?

The claims agent, Angeion Group, publishes the docket free at bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsd. The case number is 24-02202 in the Southern District of California.

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

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