ANO Settlement Trust

Archdiocese of New Orleans Settlement Trust

Heard. Validated. Supported.

Survivors created this space for survivors to centralize essential tools and support networks. Explore the categories below for local and national counseling resources, plus specialized support for financial planning, legal support, tax guidance, and navigating special needs trusts. 

Important: This site provides informational resources and does not substitute for professional therapy.

To serve survivors of clergy abuse, a local charity provides round-the-clock support

24/7 Crisis Support Line

1-855-435-7827 ext. 4

A trained, caring person is always on the line for you and your family — any hour, any day.

A New Horizon for Survivors

We are here to serve you with dignity, compassion, and respect. The Settlement Trust exists to support survivors throughout the claims process and ensure meaningful reforms protect future generations.

Need to speak with someone? Call our dedicated support line.

Toll Free (985) 892-4529

Documents & Resources

Important Documents & Resources

Access key legal documents and helpful resources related to the settlement.

Settlement Trustee's Status Report

Status Report to update the Court, Parties, and Counsel of the status and activities of the Settlement Trust. (May 13, 2026)

Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the settlement process.

Supplemental Submission

What is a Supplemental Submission?

A supplemental statement is an additional statement that you can submit on whatever details you (or your attorney if you have one) think are important as to the abuse you suffered and its impact on you. The statement may be done in writing or via a video.

Do I have to submit a Supplemental Submission?

No, the Supplemental Submission is completely optional. If an Abuse Claimant declines to submit a written or video Supplemental Submission, such declination shall not be held against the Abuse Claimant or be used as grounds to discount the Abuse Claim.

Is there a page limit to the Supplemental Submission?

Yes, 10 pages, single-sided, double-spaced, with 12-point font. If you do not have a lawyer or access to a computer, you may submit a handwritten submission. The page limit on a handwritten submission is 10 single-sided pages.

What are the requirements for a video submission?

The video must be no longer than 10 minutes in length. The video must include only the Abuse Claimant and no one else. You may use a 10-minute excerpt of a video deposition if you have a video deposition that you want to use.

Is it better to submit a written or video Supplemental Submission?

You may choose either method which you feel most comfortable. Neither method is preferred over the other.

Can I submit both a written Supplemental Submission and a video Supplemental Submission?

No, you may only submit a written Supplemental Submission or a video Supplemental Submission.

How do I submit my Supplemental Statement?

Written Submissions: You may submit a written submission via a secured portal with Donlin Recano using the information provided on the Notice Letter, via US Mail, or hand delivery to Donlin Recano.

Video Submissions: Video submissions may only be submitted via the secured portal with Donlin Recano using the information provided in the Notice Letter.

Please note that email submissions are not accepted due to security reasons. Also, submissions on USB drives or other portable media will not be accepted due to security reasons.

What is the deadline for the Supplemental Submission?

The submissions must be received by Donlin Recano no later than February 6, 2026.

Can I submit my Supplemental Submission before the deadline?

Yes, but be advised that once you submit such a statement, you cannot revise or supplement it.

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Late Filed Claims

I received a Notice that my Claim is a Late Filed Claim. What does that mean?

A Late Claim is an Abuse Claim against the Archdiocese filed after May 16, 2025.

If I have a Late Claim what can I do?

If you filed a Claim against the Additional Debtors by December 2, 2025, your Claim will be considered as to those Additional Debtors, but not the Archdiocese of New Orleans unless you submit a Good Cause Statement explaining why you did not file a Claim against the Archdiocese.

If I submit a Good Cause Statement for a Late Claim, what happens?

The Abuse Claims Reviewer will review the statement and has discretion to allow the claim subject to a 90% penalty against any Claim brought against the Archdiocese. For example, if the Abuse Claims Reviewer assesses a Late Claim at 100 points, the assessment must be reduced to no more than 10 points. This reduction is only as to Late Claims submitted against the Archdiocese of New Orleans and not the Additional Debtors.

Do I have to submit a Good Cause Statement for a Late Filed Claim?

Only if you want to attempt to make partial recovery against the Archdiocese. If you filed a Late Claim as to the Archdiocese, but were timely as to the Additional Debtors, the failure to submit a Good Cause Statement for a Late Filed Claim will not affect any recovery against the Additional Debtors.

How do I submit my Good Cause Response for Late Claim?

You may submit a written statement via a secured portal with Donlin Recano using the information provided on the Notice Letter, via US Mail or hand delivery to Donlin Recano. Video submissions for Late Claims are not allowed.

Please not that email submissions are not accepted due to security reasons.

Is there a page limit to the Good Cause Statement for Late Claim?

Yes, 10 pages, single-sided, double-spaced with 12 point font.

What is the deadline for the Good Cause Response for Late Claim?

The submissions must be received by Donlin Recano no later than February 6, 2026.

Can I submit my Good Cause Statement for a Late Filed Claim before the deadline?

Yes, but be advised that once you submit such a statement, you cannot revise or supplement it.

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Grading

Who is grading my Claim?

Your claim is being graded by the Court-appointed Claims Reviewer who is a neutral attorney.

How is my Claim graded?

Your claim is graded by the factors set forth in the Allocation Protocol approved by the Bankruptcy Court. The factors include the type of abuse you suffered, how often you were abused, and the impact of the abuse. The court-approved Allocation Protocol sets forth maximum points based on things like the type of abuse. How many points to award within the given ranges is the decision of the Abuse Claims Reviewer.

What does the Claims Reviewer do?

The Claims Reviewer assigns a grade to each claim using the factors set forth in the Allocation Protocol approved by the Bankruptcy Court. Once finished, the Claims Reviewer will send the determination to the Settlement Trustee, who will arrive at a preliminary monetary distribution for your settlement, and the Settlement Trustee will inform you of that amount.

Will I be required to submit additional information?

That is at the discretion of the Abuse Claims Reviewer. If additional information is required, you (or your attorney if you have one) will be informed and you will be given time to comply.

The Abuse Victim is a family member of mine and they are deceased. Can I still participate on their behalf?

Yes, provided you submitted a proof of claim prior to the deadlines (May 16, 2025 against the Archdiocese; December 2, 2025 against the Additional Debtors). Legal authority for you to submit a claim will be required, if not already included with the proof of claim submitted.

How long will the grading take?

The Abuse Claims Reviewer's goal is to assign points to these claims as fairly and efficiently as possible. We cannot provide an estimate on how long the process will take, but the Claims Reviewer's work diligently to complete this process is already underway.

Where can I go for more information on the grading process?

This process is controlled by the Allocation Protocol approved by the Bankruptcy Court. That protocol is available via the direct link provided by Donlin Recano in your Notice Letter.

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Appeals/Reconsideration

If I don’t agree with the preliminary monetary distribution, do I have the right to appeal?

Yes, the Allocation Protocol allows you to make what is called a Request for Reconsideration. The Request for Reconsideration must be made within 30 days of the mailing of your preliminary monetary distribution. There is also a $1,000 fee for such a request; however, if you are unable to pay that fee, you can submit a statement signed under the penalty of perjury to the Settlement Trustee. The decision to waive the Reconsideration fee belongs to the Settlement Trustee.

Who decides the Request for Reconsideration?

The Abuse Claims Reviewer.

If I disagree with the Abuse Claims Reviewer’s decision on the Request for Reconsideration, can I appeal that decision?

No, the Abuse Claims Reviewer's decisions on Requests for Reconsideration are final.

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Get in Touch

We're Here to Help

Whether you have questions about your claim, need support or resources, or want to report non-compliance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Donlin Recano Call Center

Toll Free

(985) 892-4529

Fax

(985) 218-0006

Visit Case Website

Jonathan C. Pedersen

General Counsel

Donald Massey

Settlement Trustee

Richard Arsenault

Claims Reviewer