How the Claims Process Works
A guide to civil church abuse claims from initial contact through to resolution.
Free and confidential • No fee unless we recover • You decide whether to proceed
The Process
You remain in control throughout. Initial enquiries are free and confidential. There is no obligation to proceed after contacting the firm, and typically no upfront legal fees. Privacy concerns are accommodated at every stage.
Filing deadlines vary from state to state. Do not assume it is too late without speaking with an attorney first.
Nine Steps to Resolution
- Private Initial EnquiryBegin with a brief message. Full details can be shared later at your own pace and on your own terms.
- Confidential Attorney ReviewThe legal team contacts you at a safe and convenient time to discuss your situation and potential options.
- Checking State Filing RulesThe team confirms the applicable deadlines for your state and any extended timeframes or lookback windows that may apply.
- Identifying Responsible PartiesDetermines whether the perpetrator, the institution, or both may bear legal responsibility for the abuse.
- Gathering Records and EvidenceAssistance obtaining documentation from religious institutions, dioceses, schools, and other sources.
- Deciding Whether to ProceedThe team explains the viability of your claim and likely timelines. The decision to proceed remains entirely yours.
- Filing a Civil ClaimPreparation of legal documents for court litigation, a diocesan bankruptcy trust filing, or alternative routes as appropriate.
- ResolutionClaims may settle through negotiation, process through compensation trusts, or proceed to trial. Most claims are resolved without trial.
- Ongoing CommunicationRegular updates throughout the process. You maintain decision-making authority at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a church abuse claim take?
It varies from several months to several years, depending on the institution, the state and whether the case settles. Cases involving a diocese bankruptcy often take longer. Your lawyer can give a better estimate once they know the facts and the state.
Does it cost anything to start a church abuse claim?
No. The first case review is free and confidential. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, so there are no legal fees unless compensation is recovered.
Do I have to go to court?
Most claims are resolved without a trial, through settlement or a compensation trust. If a lawsuit goes forward, you will usually give a deposition, and you would testify only if the case went to trial.
What information do I need to start a claim?
Only a brief outline: roughly when and where the abuse happened and who was involved. You do not need documents or evidence before contacting a lawyer.
Can I stop the claim once it has started?
Yes. You stay in control and can decide not to go ahead at any stage. Your lawyer will explain any consequences before you decide.
What happens if the church is in bankruptcy?
Your claim is filed in the bankruptcy case instead of a normal lawsuit, and it must be filed by the court’s deadline. Survivors are usually paid from a trust set up under the church’s reorganisation plan.
Submitting a contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney-client relationship is formed without a written agreement. Attorney Advertising.
Further Reading
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