- Louisiana
- December 16, 2025
- Comments (0)
The Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 31, 2025. This does not mean the Diocese has no money to compensate survivors of childhood sexual abuse by priests.
In recent years, many Catholic dioceses have filed for bankruptcy to halt jury trials where multimillion-dollar verdicts could be awarded. One purpose of these filings is to place all available funds into a single process so they can be distributed fairly among the many survivors.
This approach prevents a so-called “race to the courthouse,” where a few early cases might receive large verdicts while others are left with limited compensation.
Recent Claims Against the Diocese of Alexandria
The recent lawsuits and claims against the Diocese of Alexandria—and other dioceses across Louisiana—were prompted by the passage of a “lookback law” enacted by the Louisiana Legislature. This law temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for older sexual Catholic priest abuse cases, allowing survivors to come forward even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
The Catholic Church in Louisiana challenged the law, and the Louisiana Supreme Court initially ruled it unconstitutional. However, six months later, the Court reversed its decision and upheld the law as constitutional. As a result, the pending lawsuits against the Diocese of Alexandria and other Louisiana dioceses were allowed to move forward toward trial.
Recent Claims Against the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Lafayette
The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for bankruptcy several years ago, effectively halting jury trials involving sexual abuse by Catholic priests within that Archdiocese.
Numerous childhood sexual abuse lawsuits have also been filed against the Diocese of Lafayette. Although the Diocese of Lafayette has not filed for bankruptcy, several cases are currently moving toward trial, though none have yet reached a jury. It is possible that the Diocese of Lafayette may choose to file for bankruptcy in the future.
The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
The bankruptcy court handling the Diocese of Alexandria case will set a short deadline—known as a claims period—for survivors to file claims in the bankruptcy. Under Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure 3002 and 3003, the court is required to establish what is called a “bar date,” which is the official cutoff for submitting claims.
Any proof of claim involving childhood sexual abuse against the Diocese of Alexandria must be filed before that bar date. As of the date of this post, the federal court has not yet set this deadline. Once it is established, survivors will likely have only a few months to submit their claims on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a claim for sex abuse by a Catholic priest in Alexandria, Louisiana, even though the Diocese has filed for bankruptcy?
Yes. Our lawyers can file a claim for you in the bankruptcy proceeding. It is still possible to receive financial compensation for childhood sex abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, but you must act promptly.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline (bar date)?
If you miss the bar date, you may lose your right to receive compensation through the bankruptcy process. It is critical to speak with an attorney immediately so your claim can be filed on time.
Do I have to go to court or testify to file a claim?
No. Filing a claim in bankruptcy is typically done through written documentation. In most cases, survivors do not have to appear in court or testify publicly to participate in the process.
Is my identity kept confidential?
Yes. Bankruptcy courts allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims confidentially. Your name and identifying information will not be made public.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation varies based on several factors, including the nature of the abuse, the impact on your life, and the total assets available in the bankruptcy settlement. Your attorney can help you understand what compensation may be available.
Do I still have a claim if the abuse happened decades ago?
Yes. The bankruptcy process allows claims for historical childhood sexual abuse, even if the statute of limitations would normally prevent filing a lawsuit in court.
How long will the bankruptcy process take?
Diocesan bankruptcies can take months or even years to complete. However, the bar date—which determines whether you can participate—will come quickly. You must file before the deadline to be included.
Can I file a claim if the priest who abused me has died?
Yes. A priest’s death does not affect your ability to file a claim. Compensation comes from the Diocese’s assets and insurance, not the individual perpetrator.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
While it’s technically possible to file on your own, the bankruptcy process is complex. Working with an attorney increases the likelihood of submitting a complete, timely, and properly documented claim.
What if I already filed a lawsuit in the Louisiana state court?
Your case will likely be paused and redirected into the bankruptcy process. You must still file a claim by the bar date to preserve your rights.
Catholic Church Bankruptcy Cases With Saunders & Walker, P.A.
Saunders & Walker P.A. has years of experience filing bankruptcy claims in multiple Catholic Church bankruptcy cases around the United States. Please call us for assistance in filing your bankruptcy claim against the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, if you or a loved one has been sexually abused by a Catholic priest within the Diocese of Alexandria, no matter how many years ago this occurred.
If you’re looking for a trusted Catholic priest sex abuse lawyer who represents the people of Alexandria, Louisiana, contact Saunders & Walker P.A. today.