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Diocese of Santa Rosa Bankruptcy: Abuse Claims and Case Status

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The Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 13, 2023, to deal with sexual abuse lawsuits filed under California’s revival law. More than three years later, the case is still in mediation with no settlement or reorganisation plan, and the diocese has been selling property to fund an eventual deal.

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

Where the Santa Rosa case stands

Court-appointed mediators have been meeting with the diocese, its parishes, its insurers and the survivors’ committee. In August 2025 the court allowed three survivor lawsuits to go forward outside the bankruptcy so that juries could help value the claims; the diocese’s insurers appealed that decision.

The diocese has sold property, including a former clergy residence and land in Sebastopol and Humboldt County, and put a Napa Valley vineyard on the market to raise money for a settlement.

What this means if you were abused in the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Because the diocese is organised as a “corporation sole,” only the Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa is in bankruptcy. Parishes and Catholic schools are separate, so how they contribute to, or are released by, any settlement will be an important part of the final plan.

If you filed a claim, you will be able to vote on any plan before the court decides whether to confirm it. If you did not, speak to a lawyer about whether a late claim is possible.

Diocese of Santa Rosa bankruptcy at a glance

DebtorThe Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa (parishes and schools are not debtors)
CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California
Case number23-10113
FiledMarch 13, 2023
Abuse claimsAbout 260
SettlementNone yet; mediation ongoing
Status (September 18, 2026)No plan filed as of the survivors’ committee’s July 2026 update; three lawsuits allowed to proceed to test claim values
Case documentsAngeion Group: bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsr
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 Diocese of Santa Rosa settled with abuse survivors?
No. As of the survivors’ committee’s July 2026 update, mediation was continuing and no settlement or plan had been announced.
How many abuse claims were filed against the Santa Rosa diocese?
About 260 claims prompted the bankruptcy and are being dealt with in the case.
Are Santa Rosa parishes and Catholic schools part of the bankruptcy?
No. Only the Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa, the diocese’s legal entity, filed. Parishes and schools are not debtors, although any final plan is likely to address what they contribute.
Where can I see the Santa Rosa diocese bankruptcy docket?
The claims agent, Angeion Group, publishes the docket free at bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/rcbsr. The case number is 23-10113 in the Northern District of California.
Can I still file a claim in the Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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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