Abused by a member of the clergy? You decide what happens next.
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Four things to know
Take them at your own pace.
What you can get paid for
A claim can cover the harm done to you, now and later.
Find out what your case is worthDeadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Questions we get every day
Straight answers. No fine print.
It happened years ago. Is it too late?
Will my name be public?
How much do you charge?
Sexual abuse cases in nine states
Staffed offices in Irvine, Chicago and Las Vegas, and satellite offices by appointment. We also come to you.
More about your options
Read the full guide
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Clergy sexual abuse: what to know
Many survivors of abuse by a priest, pastor, minister or other religious leader did not speak about it for years, sometimes decades. That is common, and the law now reflects it. A religious organization can be responsible when it knew or should have known about the danger and did not protect people, or when it moved abusers and hid reports.
If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
California rules that shape your case
- More time than before. Many states, including California, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim, and in some cases there is no deadline (California School Boards Association summary). Other claims can still have short deadlines, for example some claims against public agencies. Call to find out what applies to you.
- Your privacy. The conversation with us is confidential. In many cases, a survivor can bring a case without their name in public court records. You decide how fast to go and what to share.
Church bankruptcies
Several California Catholic dioceses have filed for bankruptcy protection because of abuse claims; for example, the Archdiocese of San Francisco filed in August 2023 (Archdiocese of San Francisco). A bankruptcy case can set its own claim deadlines and procedures. If your claim involves a diocese in bankruptcy, call early.
What a case looks at
- What church leaders knew, and when
- Whether the abuser was moved between parishes or programs after complaints
- Personnel files and internal records that the church kept
What to do now
- Take care of yourself. Counseling can help, whether or not you bring a claim.
- Write down what you remember when you are ready: names, the church or school, years and people you told.
- Keep photos, letters, yearbooks or church bulletins from that time.
- Do not sign anything from the church or its insurer before you get advice.
- Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.