Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about church abuse claims, eligibility, and the process.
Free and confidential • No fee unless we recover • You decide whether to proceed
About the Claims Process
What is a civil church abuse claim?
A civil church abuse claim is a legal action brought by a survivor to seek financial compensation from the perpetrator and/or institution responsible. It is separate from any criminal investigation or prosecution.
Can I bring a claim at the same time as a criminal case?
Yes. Civil and criminal proceedings are independent. You do not need to wait for a criminal outcome to pursue a civil claim, and a civil claim can proceed even if there is no criminal prosecution.
Do I have to go to court?
Most civil abuse claims are resolved before trial through negotiation or settlement. While it is not possible to guarantee this, the majority of claimants do not need to appear in court.
How long does a claim take?
Timelines vary widely depending on the institution, state law, number of defendants, and whether the matter settles. Many claims resolve within one to three years, though diocese bankruptcy proceedings can take longer.
About Contacting the Firm
Does contacting you cost anything?
No. Initial enquiries are completely free. If the firm takes your case, it is handled on a contingency basis — meaning no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
Does submitting a form mean I have committed to anything?
No. Submitting a contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship or any obligation to proceed. You can stop at any stage without penalty.
Do I need to tell you everything in the first message?
No. You only need to provide enough information for the team to make an initial assessment. Full details can be discussed later, at your pace, in a confidential conversation.
What information do I need before contacting you?
You do not need to have records or evidence ready. The team can advise on what may be available and how to obtain it. The name of the institution involved and a general timeframe are usually sufficient to begin.
About Eligibility
Can I bring a claim if the abuse happened many years ago?
Possibly yes. Many states have extended or removed filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse. Some have opened temporary lookback windows. Do not assume it is too late without speaking to an attorney.
Can adults bring church abuse claims?
Yes. Claims can be brought by adults abused as children, and in some cases by adults abused in vulnerable circumstances such as pastoral counselling.
What if I am unsure whether what happened counts as abuse?
Contact the firm and describe what happened in your own words. The legal team can help you understand whether it may give rise to a civil claim. You do not need to use legal terminology.
Do I need proof before contacting a lawyer?
No. Most survivors do not have physical evidence when they first make contact. The legal team can advise on what records may be available and how to build a claim.
Can I bring a claim even if the abuser is no longer alive?
Yes. The death of the individual perpetrator does not prevent a civil claim against the institution that employed or supervised them.
What if the church or institution has closed?
Claims may still be possible through successor organisations, diocesan bankruptcy trusts, insurance carriers, or against the denomination. Each situation is assessed individually.
About Anonymity and Privacy
Can I make a claim anonymously?
Civil claims generally require identifying information for court proceedings. However, courts in many states allow survivor identities to be protected during litigation. The team can advise on what protections may be available in your state.
Will my enquiry be shared with anyone?
No. Initial enquiries are treated as strictly confidential and are used only to evaluate whether the firm may be able to assist.
I share a device or email with others. Is it safe to contact you?
The team can accommodate privacy concerns. You can note any specific concerns in your initial message, and the team will follow your instructions on how and when to make contact.
Will the church know I have contacted a lawyer?
No. Simply contacting the firm does not notify the church. If a claim is filed, formal notice is required at that stage, but this is discussed with you first.
About Compensation
What compensation might be available?
Compensation may cover psychological trauma, therapy and medical costs, income loss, relationship damage, and additional damages where institutional cover-up is established. Amounts depend on case-specific facts.
Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?
No. Cases are handled on a contingency basis. There are no legal fees to pay unless compensation is recovered.
What if the church has no money to pay compensation?
Many institutions carry liability insurance. Catholic dioceses in bankruptcy have compensation trusts. Religious orders are separate entities with their own assets. Each case is assessed to identify available sources of recovery.
Find Out If You Have a Claim — in Confidence
Tell us briefly what happened. The legal team will review it and explain your options, with no cost and no obligation.
- Free, confidential case review
- No legal fees unless compensation is recovered
- Share only what you are comfortable with
- Filing deadlines apply, so check your options now
Prefer to talk? Call (202) 934-2954