Diocese record · California

Diocese of San Diego

The Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024 — its second bankruptcy — after more than 480 survivors filed childhood sexual abuse claims. A diocesan spokesperson estimated resolving the claims could exceed $550 million.

People's Justice Accountability DeskFacts verified Jul 12, 20263 sources

Filing window status

California's AB 218 three-year revival window ran from 2020 through 2022, and this diocese is now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, where survivor claims are resolved through a court-supervised compensation process with its own filing deadlines. California law separately allows childhood sexual assault claims until age 40 or within five years of connecting the harm to the abuse, and has no deadline for abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024. Because a bankruptcy bar date can control, a free, confidential review can confirm your deadline.

Deadlines are state-specific and change often. Even if you think a window has passed, it is worth confirming — exceptions can apply. A free, confidential review can tell you where you stand.

The record

Key Facts

Fact 01

480+ abuse claims filed in Chapter 11

Source: Diocese of San Diego / Zalkin Law

Fact 02

Second bankruptcy; 2007 case settled 140+ claims for $198M

Source: Diocese of San Diego

Fact 03

Diocese estimate: settling could exceed $550 million

Source: Diocese of San Diego spokesperson

Fact 04

Claims bar date: February 3, 2025

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, S.D. Cal.

What is documented

The Allegations

More than 480 survivors filed claims alleging childhood sexual abuse by San Diego-area clergy decades ago, brought under California's AB 218 revival window and consolidated in the diocese's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The full account

The Record

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024 — the second time it has sought bankruptcy protection. Its first filing, in 2007, ended with the diocese settling more than 140 abuse claims for $198 million.

More than 480 people who say they were sexually abused decades ago by San Diego-area priests filed claims in the current Chapter 11 case; the diocese and its insurer have objected to some of them. A diocesan spokesperson said settling the claims at the same rate as the 2007 settlement would cost more than $550 million. The court set a claims bar date of February 3, 2025.

As of mid-2026 the case remained in mediation with no reorganization plan yet filed, and survivors' attorneys have publicly criticized the pace of the proceedings.

Sources & attribution

Sources Cited

3 sources

Related investigation

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