National Representation for Survivors of Mormon Church Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse connected to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) deserve compassionate support, skilled legal counsel, and unwavering advocacy. The LDS Church sexual abuse lawyers at Dolman Law Group represent abuse survivors nationwide, taking a stand against powerful institutions and seeking accountability for the harms caused.
Key Takeaways Involving: LDS Church Abuse Claims
- Confidential Settlements: The LDS Church is resolving many sexual abuse claims through private settlement processes, which avoid a public court trial.
- Legal Rights: Survivors may have the right to pursue compensation for therapy, trauma-related losses, and pain and suffering, even for abuse that occurred decades ago.
- Extended Time Limits: Many states have passed laws that create “look-back” windows, temporarily lifting the statute of limitations to allow survivors of old abuse to file civil lawsuits.
- Accountability: Civil lawsuits can hold the LDS Church as an institution accountable for alleged cover-ups or negligence in handling abuse reports.
- Your Privacy: You can often pursue a claim using a pseudonym (e.g., “Jane Doe”) to protect your privacy throughout the legal process.
Standing Up to the LDS Church on Behalf of Survivors
For decades, individuals have come forward with deeply troubling accounts of sexual abuse within the LDS Church. Many survivors describe a culture of silence, cover-ups, and institutional failures that prioritized reputation over child safety. Our LDS Church sexual abuse attorneys can help expose these failings, hold perpetrators and enablers accountable, and guide survivors through the civil legal process.
If you or a loved one suffered abuse related to the LDS Church, it is not your fault. You are not alone—and you may have the right to pursue justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free, private, and confidential consultation.
Recent Legal Developments: LDS Church Settlements and Litigation
- Private Settlements: In 2025, the LDS Church initiated confidential settlement processes for abuse survivors. Qualified attorneys pursue compensation for eligible cases, and past settlements in similar matters have ranged from tens of thousands to over $1 million. These private processes bypass public court, offering privacy and a faster resolution.
- Nationwide Lawsuits: Hundreds of survivors have filed lawsuits alleging institutional cover-ups and mishandled abuse reports. Some settlements have exceeded $1 million, particularly in cases involving documented leadership failures or repeated offender cover-ups.
- Statutes of Limitations: Many states have extended time windows for survivors to file claims, even for abuse that happened decades ago. Speaking to an LDS sexual abuse attorney quickly is critical to protect your rights.
Litigation Updates
As more lawsuits are filed against the LDS Church, the team at Dolman Law Group is keeping a close eye on the legal developments. Return to this page often for the latest litigation news related to these cases.
DECEMBER 2026 – LDS CHURCH ACCUSED OF WITHHOLDING KEY EVIDENCE IN MARYLAND ABUSE LAWSUIT
If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse connected to the Mormon Church, this latest development may feel frustrating — and all too familiar.
In November 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) was accused of leaving out 19 pages of important evidence in a Maryland lawsuit involving convicted child abuser Richard Kent James.
According to FLOODLIT, the missing pages reportedly describe acts of abuse that occurred before and after James’s time as a Boy Scout leader. This information directly challenges the Church’s claim that this case should be handled under the Boy Scouts of America settlement trust, rather than being litigated in court.
Why This Matters to Survivors
- A Pattern of Avoidance: The allegation suggests the Church may be trying to sidestep legal responsibility by limiting the evidence reviewed by the court.
- Implicates More Than Just the Boy Scouts: If abuse happened outside of the scouting program — under the Church’s watch — then the Church could be held directly accountable.
- A Push for Justice: Survivors and advocates argue that all facts deserve to be heard in full, especially when powerful institutions are involved.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the LDS Church has been accused of withholding information or quietly settling abuse claims behind closed doors. While some survivors have chosen to pursue private settlements to avoid retraumatizing court battles, others are pushing for public transparency and full accountability.
At Dolman Law Group, we support you on whatever path helps you heal. We believe in keeping survivors informed and empowered because your story and your voice matter. If you have questions about your rights or whether you may qualify to file a lawsuit, we’re here to help.
November 2025 – New LDS Lawsuit Alleges LDS Church Allowed Known Abuser to Harm More Children
A new lawsuit filed in Washington State is shedding light on how a known child sex offender was allegedly welcomed back into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, giving him renewed access to children and, according to the lawsuit, leading to more abuse.
The legal complaint, filed in October 2025, names David Herget, a former High Priest in the Mountlake Ward in Mountlake Terrace. Herget was convicted in 1993 of raping his 13-year-old daughter. Yet instead of ensuring he was permanently barred from youth activities, the Church allegedly allowed him to rejoin the congregation and hold leadership responsibilities involving children.
What the Survivors Are Alleging
The lawsuit claims:
- Herget was rebaptized into the Church in 2002 and reinstated as a High Priest in 2004.
- Despite his criminal history, he was allowed to volunteer in roles that involved direct contact with children.
- Between 2001 and 2005, he sexually abused four young boys, according to the lawsuit.
- Some of the abuse took place on Church property, including in the parking lot, and involved children as young as 5 years old.
- Herget was arrested in 2005 and died by suicide while in jail.
The four survivors have filed suit against the LDS Church, alleging negligence and failure to protect children from a known predator. Their voices are now helping expose how Mormon Church policies, or the lack of them, may have put other children at risk.
Why Each Case Matters
If you’re a survivor of childhood sexual abuse connected to the Mormon Church, reading stories like this may feel painfully familiar. However, when these brave survivors share their stories, it sheds light on the decades of abuse that apparently occurred within the LDS Church, and possibly protects others from facing similar fates.
This new lawsuit highlights:
- Ongoing failures to safeguard children, even after known abuse.
- Church leadership allegedly ignoring or downplaying red flags.
- The urgent need for accountability, transparency, and survivor-centered justice.
You Deserve Support and Answers
Whether the abuse happened years ago or more recently, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Many states have extended deadlines for survivors, and our team can help determine whether you qualify.
At Dolman Law Group, we’re here to help survivors understand their rights and explore their legal options confidentially and without pressure. We believe your voice matters, your healing matters, and holding institutions accountable is not just possible—it’s necessary
OCTOBER 2025 – NEW LDS CHURCH LAWSUIT ALLEGES DECADES OF ABUSE AND SILENCE IN SEATTLE
Survivors have come forward with new allegations of childhood sexual abuse involving a high-ranking member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seattle. Their lawsuit, filed in August 2025, accuses the Church of knowingly allowing Francis “Frank” Cochran—a high priest in the 6th Ward—to remain in contact with children, even after serious concerns and multiple prior criminal convictions for child sexual abuse.
According to the complaint, Church leaders ignored early warnings from other members, discouraged families from speaking out, and allowed Cochran to continue participating in church events where children were present. One bishop even threatened to revoke a family’s “temple recommend” when they tried to warn others. The man who oversaw the ward at the time, Paul Diehl, was later promoted to a national leadership role within the Church.
Despite Cochran’s eventual convictions in 1987 and 1988, survivors say the Church failed to take meaningful action to prevent further harm. For many survivors, this pattern of betrayal by trusted religious leaders who allegedly chose silence over safety can be just as damaging as the abuse itself.
The Private Path to Settlement Continues
While some survivors are pursuing justice through the courts, others are resolving their claims through a confidential legal process the Church has established. This system allows survivors, through their attorneys, to submit claims privately without going to court, facing cross-examination, or having to relive their experiences in a public setting.
If the claim meets certain criteria, the Church enters into settlement negotiations, often with the help of a neutral mediator. The amount offered depends on many factors, such as available documentation, the identity of the abuser, and whether Church leadership was involved or informed.
This private resolution system is far from perfect. It lacks transparency and doesn’t provide the kind of public accountability many survivors deserve. But for others, it offers a faster, more manageable path to compensation and closure—especially for those not emotionally prepared for a courtroom battle.
If you or someone you love was abused in a Mormon Church setting, we are here to listen and help you understand your options. Contact us today for a private, no-pressure consultation.
September 2025 – LDS Church Settling Abuse Claims Privately
Survivors of sexual abuse tied to the LDS Church are receiving financial settlements through a confidential legal process that avoids court and media exposure. Offers range from tens of thousands to over $1 million, depending on documentation and severity. No class action exists, but cooperating law firms are sharing resources to help survivors pursue justice discreetly.
August 2025 – LDS Church Offers Private Settlements to Abuse Survivors
The LDS Church continues to resolve abuse claims through private, out-of-court settlements. A major California mediation recently addressed more than 100 claims. Many survivors remain unaware that this process exists. Working with an experienced LDS Church abuse lawyer for personalized legal guidance is key.
July 2025 – Survivors Encouraged to Come Forward Amid Ongoing LDS Settlements
Over 300 survivors have filed claims in a quiet LDS Church settlement process. Well-documented cases involving Church leaders are securing high-value payouts. While not all claims result in large offers, many survivors find the process validating and a step toward healing.
June 2025 – LDS Church Using Private Legal Channels to Resolve Abuse Claims
Instead of public litigation, the LDS Church is handling abuse claims through private negotiations with select law firms. Attorneys submit detailed case inventories for review, leading to confidential settlements. This system bypasses traditional court oversight and is limited to survivors represented by participating firms.
April 2025 – Request to Combine LDS Abuse Lawsuits Denied
The JPML rejected a bid to consolidate nearly 50 LDS sexual abuse cases, citing key differences between plaintiffs, timelines, and locations. As a result, the lawsuits will move forward individually in their respective jurisdictions.
March 2025 – Nearly 100 New Abuse Claims Filed in California
A surge of nearly 100 lawsuits was filed against the LDS Church in California, made possible by a legal window allowing older claims. Many accuse Church leaders of ignoring abuse or protecting known abusers.
February 2025 – Lawyers Sought to Consolidate LDS Abuse Cases
Before the JPML ruling, attorneys pushed to combine dozens of LDS abuse cases into one federal proceeding. They argued the Church’s repeated failure to address abuse created a common thread across all claims.
December 2024 – New Lawsuits Accuse LDS Church of Abuse Cover-Ups
Lawsuits in Utah and California allege Church leaders enabled or concealed abuse by putting known offenders back into positions of authority. Survivors say the Church prioritized its image over member safety.
Understanding LDS Church Abuse: Patterns and Practices
History of Abuse and Institutional Response
The LDS Church’s hierarchical structure, strict codes of conduct, and practices such as “worthiness interviews” have contributed to environments where abuse went unreported or actively concealed for decades. Numerous reports reveal:
- Abuse by bishops, elders, and youth leaders in positions of religious authority.
- Church leaders transferring known abusers to new congregations or discouraging survivors from alerting law enforcement.
- Confidential “helplines” used to route abuse reports to legal departments, not counseling resources, increasing secrecy rather than transparency.
Nationwide and International Scope
- The LDS Church has over 16 million global members, with abuse cases arising in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
- Litigated claims span youth programs, congregational activities, and church-sponsored Boy Scouts groups.
- Settlements and court decisions continue to shape the LDS Church’s accountability.
How an LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
- Comprehensive Case Investigation: Gathering church records, correspondence, and evidence of prior abuse reports or cover-up patterns.
- Identifying All Liable Parties: Holding abusers, local religious leaders, and national church entities responsible for their actions or negligence.
- Protecting Your Privacy: Lawsuits can often be filed using a pseudonym (“Jane Doe”/“John Doe”), and all communications remain confidential.
- Navigating State Laws: Experienced counsel will explain statute of limitations “look-back windows” and help meet important filing deadlines.
- Pursuing Maximum Compensation: Seeking damages for therapy, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages where appropriate.
- Negotiation or Litigation: Whether through private settlement or in a courtroom, our attorneys are prepared to advocate rigorously for survivors.
What Survivors Say: Stories of Courage
Survivors’ stories—whether the abuse occurred years ago or recently—share common threads: betrayal by trusted leaders, silencing, and the strength found in coming forward. High-profile cases and media reports continue to drive new awareness, expose patterns of cover-up, and compel the LDS Church toward accountability and change.
Over the past few years, more and more people have stepped forward to share their stories of abuse within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These survivors come from different backgrounds and time periods, but many describe the same disturbing patterns—abuse by people in positions of trust, and a lack of action (or outright cover-ups) by church leadership. Here are just a few of the stories that have come to light:
- California Survivor Sues Former Church Leader: In a 2024 lawsuit, a woman going by “Jane Doe” accused former church leader Craig Allen Harward of sexually abusing her as a child. The abuse allegedly took place in private settings approved by church leadership, and the lawsuit claims the church knew about the abuse but didn’t step in to stop it.
- San Diego Plaintiffs Describe Years of Abuse: In March 2025, five people in San Diego County filed lawsuits describing long-term abuse by local church leaders. One woman said she was abused from the early ‘60s through the late ‘70s by multiple family members—including a bishop. Another said his bishop threatened him with spiritual consequences if he spoke up.
- Former Bishop Faces Charges in Virginia: John Goodrich, a former LDS bishop, was arrested in Virginia in March 2024 after being indicted on serious charges, including rape and forcible sodomy. He’s accused of sexually abusing his own daughter over a number of years. The case has raised questions about how the church responds when abuse is reported internally.
- Abuse Linked to Boy Scouts Affiliation: The LDS Church also faced lawsuits related to its long-time partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. In 2021, the Church agreed to contribute about $250 million to a settlement fund for survivors, after claims that abuse in church-sponsored Scout troops was covered up for decades.
These stories are difficult to hear, but they matter. They reflect the pain so many survivors have carried—and their strength in coming forward. Every voice adds to the growing call for accountability and change within institutions that were supposed to protect their members.
Our team understands why it can take years or even decades to share abuse stories. We can help pursue your legal rights when you are ready to take action. In the meantime, it won’t cost you anything to learn more about your personal rights and the steps you can take to recover the compensation you deserve as an LDS Church abuse survivor.
What You Can Recover: Damages & Compensation
Every case is unique, but civil abuse lawsuits against the LDS Church may provide compensation for:
- Medical and Mental Health Care: Counseling, inpatient or outpatient therapy, prescriptions, and ongoing support.
- Lost Income or Opportunities: For survivors whose careers or educations were disrupted by trauma.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for PTSD, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, depression, and more.
- Punitive Awards: Extra damages in cases involving institutional cover-up or repeated negligence.
Why Choose Dolman Law Group as Your LDS Abuse Legal Team?
- National Representation: We serve clients in all 50 states and have decades of experience against powerful institutions.
- Proven Track Record: Over $400 million in settlements and verdicts across personal injury and catastrophic loss cases.
- Award-winning Attorneys: Matthew Dolman is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and regularly recognized by Super Lawyers, Florida Legal Elite, and National Trial Lawyers.
- Client-Centered Service: We believe in survivor dignity, privacy, and empowerment. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you, and your case consultation is free and confidential.
- Trusted Nationwide: Thousands of clients have trusted Dolman Law Group for compassionate and aggressive representation.
Frequently Asked Questions: LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Can I file if the abuse happened decades ago?
Yes. Many states offer extended or reopened time frames for older abuse claims—contact us to check eligibility.
Will my identity be public?
Not necessarily. Many cases allow survivors to file under pseudonyms to protect privacy.
Do I need a police report to bring a lawsuit?
No. Civil suits rely on all forms of evidence, and a police report is not required.
How much does it cost to work with your team?
We work on a contingency fee basis which means you pay no upfront fees and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Respected and Trusted Abuse Survivor and Support Resources
- RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center and other advocacy groups available for confidential help.
If you’re ready to speak, our LDS Church sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and support you.
Contact an LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer at Dolman Law Group Today
You are not alone. Justice, healing, and real change begin with a call or confidential online message. Dolman Law Group is ready to help—contact us now for your free, private case evaluation. Call us at 866-394-4661 or fill out our confidential contact form now.
