New Hampshire Supreme Court Limits Retroactive Claims
In October 2025, the New Hampshire Supreme Court issued a landmark decision ruling that a 2020 law abolishing the statute of limitations for sexual assault lawsuits cannot be applied retroactively.
The case centered on a plaintiff who filed suit in 2023 against the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester for alleged abuse in the 1970s. The court found that applying the 2020 law to incidents predating its enactment would violate the state’s constitution. Specifically, it held that defendants have a “vested right” to a statute of limitations defense, a principle that bars reopening old claims once the legal timeframe has expired.
This ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications for other potential cases involving historical abuse claims in the state.
Washington State Settlement Over Confessional Reporting
Meanwhile, in Washington, state officials have backed down from efforts to compel priests to report child abuse disclosed during confession.
In October 2025, the state reached a settlement with the Catholic Church, agreeing not to enforce a controversial provision in its new child protection law that would have required clergy to disclose information from confession.
Church representatives argued that such a requirement would violate the sanctity of the sacrament of confession. Advocates for mandatory reporting, however, expressed concern that the decision could leave vulnerable children at greater risk, though supporters of the settlement noted that clergy can still offer assistance outside the confessional setting.
Louisiana Archdiocese Settlement Offer Rises to $230 Million
In Louisiana, the Archdiocese of New Orleans has increased its proposed settlement offer to victims of clergy sexual abuse to $230 million.
The offer is intended to resolve hundreds of lawsuits filed in connection with the archdiocese’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. A final resolution will depend on whether survivors and their legal representatives agree to the terms of the settlement. The increased offer underscores the mounting financial pressure dioceses face as litigation continues across the country.
New Jersey Jury Awards $5 Million to Abuse Survivor
In New Jersey, a jury in October 2025 awarded a former student of Delbarton School $5 million in damages after finding the Catholic institution liable in a sex abuse trial.
Earlier in the year, in May 2025, Diocese of Camden announced it would no longer oppose a statewide grand jury investigation into clergy sexual abuse, signaling increased cooperation with law enforcement efforts to examine the scope of misconduct within the Church.
National and Historical Context
The recent wave of rulings and settlements comes amid a broader reckoning for the Catholic Church in the United States.
In recent months, dozens of additional claims of clergy misconduct have been filed in Vermont, and a new investigative report implicated nearly 50 priests in Michigan.
Lawsuits and settlements have forced multiple dioceses into bankruptcy and have led to record-breaking payouts. In 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to an $880 million settlement involving 1,350 victims, contributing to a cumulative national payout of over $1.5 billion.
Legal experts say the recent rulings highlight a complex and evolving legal environment around clergy sexual abuse claims. While some courts are limiting retroactive applications of new laws, others are seeing mounting financial settlements and intensified investigations.
For survivors, advocates, and the Church, the months ahead are likely to bring further developments as cases move forward in multiple states.
How Blue Sky Legal Can Help
With statutes of limitation, constitutional defenses, and large-scale settlement negotiations shifting rapidly, survivors and institutions need skilled legal representation.
Blue Sky Legal is uniquely positioned to help navigate these complex and high-impact cases. Our team combines deep litigation experience with strategic insight into constitutional and civil claims, ensuring that our clients’ rights are protected and their voices are heard.
Our firm can assist with:
- Evaluating the viability of claims under changing statutes of limitation
- Representing survivors in civil litigation and settlement negotiations
- Advising institutions facing exposure or bankruptcy-related proceedings
- Monitoring evolving case law and legislative changes across multiple jurisdictions
If you are an attorney or firm seeking to collaborate on clergy sexual abuse litigation, or a survivor exploring legal options, Blue Sky Legal can provide the legal strategy and advocacy needed to move forward.
Contact us to discuss case strategy, co-counsel opportunities, or survivor representation.
