Virginia · Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church
Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church in Virginia
See If You Qualify
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| Filing deadline | Age 38 (20 years after majority) — lookback window closedVirginia Code § 8.01-249 |
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Deadlines vary with the facts of each case. A lawyer can confirm yours.
Updated
01 · Your filing deadline
What is the deadline in Virginia?
Virginia: Lookback window CLOSED. Standard civil SOL extends to age 38 (20 years after majority). Diocese of Arlington and Diocese of Richmond have documented abuse histories. A lawyer can confirm yours.
Source: Virginia Code § 8.01-249
Deadlines vary; a lawyer can confirm yours. An older diagnosis or a past filing window does not, by itself, establish whether you have a claim.

02 · Where cases are heard
Where would my case be heard?
Virginia enacted a 2-year lookback window in 2022 that is now closed. Virginia's standard civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse extends to age 38. The Diocese of Arlington and Diocese of Richmond have published credibly accused clergy disclosures.
Virginia enacted a 2-year lookback window in 2022 that allowed historical childhood sexual abuse claims to be filed without regard to the statute of limitations. That window is now closed. Virginia's current standard civil SOL for childhood sexual abuse extends 20 years after the survivor turns 18, capped at age 38. The Diocese of Arlington and Diocese of Richmond have both published credibly accused clergy lists. No Virginia diocese has filed for bankruptcy. Survivors under age 38 who did not file during the 2022 lookback window may still have viable claims under Virginia's extended standard SOL. Older survivors should consult an attorney about discovery rule tolling.
How this works nationally
For the overall process and updates, read the Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church overview. This page covers the local information available for Virginia.
What happens when I check?
You answer a few short questions about what happened. If you send them, your answers are kept on file. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you. People's Justice is not a law firm.
Live in Virginia? Read what applies in your state.
Register your interest. If a participating law firm takes these cases, it may contact you.
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- Virginia Code § 8.01-249