Statute of Limitations
Louisiana: ACTIVE lookback window through June 2027. Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy claims bar date: June 8, 2026 — URGENT DEADLINE for central/northwest Louisiana survivors.
June 8, 2026 (Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy deadline) / June 2027 (state lookback window)
Where to File in Louisiana
The Diocese of Alexandria filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 31, 2025. A claims bar date of June 8, 2026 has been set — after which, no new claims can be submitted to the bankruptcy estate. Survivors who miss this deadline lose their right to participate in any settlement fund arising from the Alexandria bankruptcy. The Diocese of Alexandria covers central and northwest Louisiana including Alexandria, Pineville, Natchitoches, Leesville, and surrounding communities. The Diocese disclosed a list of over 20 credibly accused clergy members prior to filing. Additionally, Louisiana has an active state lookback window through June 2027 for direct civil claims against dioceses and individual perpetrators. The Archdiocese of New Orleans reached a $305 million bankruptcy settlement in early 2026. Survivors with claims in Louisiana have two urgent deadlines to manage: the Alexandria bankruptcy bar date (June 8, 2026) and the state lookback window (June 2027).
Exposure in Louisiana
Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Louisiana
Source: Diocese of Alexandria official disclosure
Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Louisiana
Source: Louisiana Act 322 (2021)
Your Legal Team
Renee Fontenot
Partner
New Orleans, LA
Renee Fontenot is one of Louisiana's leading attorneys for Catholic clergy abuse survivors, with 19 years of experience navigating the state's distinctive diocesan litigation landscape. She represented survivors in the Archdiocese of New Orleans bankruptcy proceedings that resulted in a $305 million settlement in early 2026. Renee is now urgently focused on the Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy: the court-ordered claims bar date is June 8, 2026, and she is working with survivors across central and northwest Louisiana to ensure they file proofs of claim before this absolute deadline. She is fluent in both English and French and has experience serving Louisiana's rural Catholic communities where survivors may have had limited prior access to legal representation. Renee provides free, confidential consultations and handles all clergy abuse cases on a contingency fee basis.
Education
- J.D., Tulane University Law School (2007)
- B.A., Sociology, Louisiana State University (2004)