How to File an LDS Lawsuit: Rights, Process & What Survivors Should Know

Understanding LDS Lawsuits and What They’re About

So what exactly are we talking about when we say “LDS lawsuit”? Most of these cases involve claims of sexual abuse that happened within the church community—abuse committed by bishops, church leaders, members, or others who held positions of trust. But here’s the thing that makes these cases particularly significant: they’re not just about individual abusers. They’re about the institution itself! 

 

Many lawsuits allege that the LDS Church knew about abuse, failed to report it to authorities, and act‐ ively concealed it to protect the organization’s reputation. Think about that for a second. Survivors claim that church leaders used internal mechanisms—like the controversial “help line” operated by the church’s law firm—to route abuse allegations away from law enforcement and toward legal protection for the institution. Instead of calling the police, they called lawyers. 

The allegations paint a troubling picture: an lds sexual abuse lawsuit often involves not just the person who committed the abuse, but the entire system that enabled it, covered it up, and allowed it to continue. It’s about accountability at every level.

Why Survivors Are Coming Forward Now 

You might be wondering: why are so many lawsuits being filed now, sometimes decades after the abuse happened? It’s a fair question, and there are a few really important reasons. 

First off, trauma doesn’t work on a timeline. It just doesn’t! Many survivors weren’t ready to come for‐ ward earlier—they were dealing with shame, fear, psychological barriers, or just trying to get through each day. It takes time—sometimes years, sometimes decades—to process what happened and find the strength to speak out. And that’s okay. There’s no “right” timeline for healing. 

Second, the legal landscape’s changed dramatically. Many states have passed what’re called “look‐ back window” laws that temporarily lift or extend statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse 

claims. California, for example, opened a window that allowed survivors to file lawsuits even if the old deadline had passed years ago. These legal reforms recognize something crucial: survivors often can’t come forward immediately, and they deserve a real chance at justice. 

Third, there’s genuine strength in numbers. As more survivors have spoken out, others have felt em‐ powered to do the same. Seeing that you’re not alone—that your experience was part of a larger pat‐ tern, not some isolated incident—can be incredibly validating and motivating. It changes everything!

Your Legal Rights as a Survivor

Let’s get crystal clear about what rights you have, because understanding this stuff is genuinely em‐ powering. 

You’ve got the right to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm you suffered. This is separate from any criminal case—you can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or whether the abuser was convicted. They’re two different tracks. 

You’ve got the right to hold not just the abuser accountable, but also the institution that failed to protect you. If church leaders knew about the abuse, failed to report it, or enabled it to continue, the LDS Church itself can be named as a defendant. That’s huge!

You’ve got the right to confidentiality and privacy during the legal process. Many survivors file lawsuits anonymously using pseudonyms like “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” Court records can be sealed, and pro‐ tective measures can be put in place to guard your identity. You don’t have to expose yourself publicly if you don’t want to. 

You’ve got the right to legal representation. Many attorneys who handle lds lawsuit cases work on con‐ tingency, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This removes the financial barrier to seeking justice—you’re not gonna be stuck with a huge legal bill if things don’t work out. 

Most importantly, you’ve got the right to be heard. Your story matters. Your pain matters. And the leg‐ al system provides a formal avenue for making sure they’re acknowledged. Nobody can take that away from you.

The Statute of Limitations: Time Limits and Lookback Windows 

Statutes of limitations are laws that set deadlines for filing lawsuits. Historically, these deadlines were pretty restrictive for abuse survivors—you might’ve only had a few years after turning 18 to file a claim. Which, let’s be honest, is ridiculous when you consider how trauma actually works. 

But that’s been changing, and it’s really important to understand the current landscape. 

Many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. Some have created temporary “lookback windows” that allow survivors to file claims even if the old deadline has passed. California, New York, Washington, and Oregon are among the states that’ve implemented these reforms. It’s been a game-changer! 

For example, California’s lookback window allowed survivors to file lawsuits for abuse that occurred decades ago, leading to nearly 100 lawsuits against the LDS Church in that state alone. These cases were consolidated into a Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding in Los Angeles, and the church has agreed in principle to settle over 100 of them. That’s not a small number. Not even close. 

The specifics vary by state, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney who can tell you what applies to your situation. Even if you think too much time’s passed, the law might’ve changed in your favor! Don’t assume you’re out of time—check first. You might be surprised. 

The Process of Filing an LDS Lawsuit 

So what actually happens if you decide to move forward? Let’s walk through it step by step.

Initial Consultation

You’ll meet with an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving religious institutions. This conversation’s confidential—what you say stays between you and them. You’ll share your story, answer questions about what happened, when, where, and who was involved, and the attorney will assess whether you’ve got a viable case. 

This can be emotionally difficult, no question about it. You’re revisiting trauma, and that’s hard! A good attorney will be sensitive to that and work at a pace that feels manageable for you. If you need to take breaks, take breaks. If you need to come back another day, that’s okay too.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

If you decide to proceed, your attorney will start building your case. This might involve: – Obtaining records from the church (which they’re often not eager to hand over) – Identifying other survivors with similar experiences—pattern evidence is powerful – Gathering any documentation you have: journals, medical records, therapy notes, emails, anything that corroborates your account 

• Finding witnesses who can support aspects of your story 
• Consulting with experts in trauma, psychology, or institutional policies 

Look, don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of documentation. Your testimony matters! Experienced attorneys know how to build strong cases even when physical evidence is limited.

Filing the Complaint

Your attorney files a formal legal complaint that names the defendants—this could be the abuser, the LDS Church, specific church leaders, or all of the above. The complaint outlines your claims and the legal basis for holding the defendants accountable. It’s basically the official “here’s what happened and here’s why you’re responsible” document. 

This document gets served to the defendants, officially notifying them that you’re suing. That’s when things become real!

Discovery Phase 

Both sides exchange information and evidence. Your attorney might depose witnesses, request intern‐ al church documents (including records of those “help line” calls or disciplinary proceedings), and build the strongest case possible. The defense will do their own investigation, though their goal’s to minimize liability—let’s not pretend otherwise. 

Be prepared: this phase can involve difficult questions and reliving painful memories! But your attor‐ ney’s there to support you and object to anything improper or overly invasive. They’re your advocate. 

Settlement Negotiations 

Many lds sexual abuse lawsuit cases settle before going to trial. The church might make an offer to re‐ solve the case without admitting guilt. Settlements can provide closure and compensation without the stress of a trial, but they typically include confidentiality agreements—meaning you can’t talk publicly about the settlement terms. 

The LDS Church has been resolving many claims through a private settlement process, often offering above-market settlements in exchange for confidentiality. This allows the church to avoid public scrutiny while providing financial compensation to survivors. It’s a trade-off, and only you can decide if it’s worth it.

Whether to settle is entirely your decision! Your attorney will advise you, but ultimately, you get to choose what feels right. Don’t let anyone pressure you either way. 

 

Trial (If Necessary) 

If the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial. You’ll testify about your experiences, and other evidence will 

be presented. The jury (or judge) will decide whether the defendants are liable and what damages you should receive. It’s your day in court, literally. 

Trials are public (though some protective measures might be in place), and they can be emotionally taxing—there’s no way around that. But they also offer the opportunity for your story to be told fully and for a formal judgment in your favor. Some survivors find that incredibly powerful. 

What Compensation Looks Like 

If you win your case or reach a settlement, what can you actually recover? Let’s break it down.

Economic damages cover tangible financial losses: 

– Medical expenses, including long-term therapy and mental health treatment (which can add up fast) – Lost wages or earning capacity if the abuse affected your education or career – Other documented financial costs related to the abuse 

 

Non-economic damages address intangible harms: 

• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Psychological trauma 

These are harder to quantify, but they’re just as real. Just as important.

Punitive damages might be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as when the church knew about the abuse and covered it up. These are meant to punish the defendant and de‐ ter similar behavior in the future. They’re basically the legal system saying, “This was so bad that we’re gonna make an example out of you.” 

Settlement amounts vary widely. Some survivors have received mid-five-figure settlements, while oth‐ ers have received millions. A California jury awarded $2.28 billion to a woman abused by her LDS step‐ father (the church settled its portion for $1 million). A West Virginia case involving a church member who abused numerous children resulted in a $32 million settlement. The range is huge. Every case is different. 

Your attorney can give you a more realistic sense of what to expect based on similar cases and the specifics of your situation. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Challenges You Might Face 

I’m not gonna pretend this process is easy, because it’s not. Here are some challenges survivors often encounter: 

Emotional difficulty. Reliving trauma is hard—really hard. You might experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms flaring up. Having a support system in place—therapist, support group, trusted friends or family—is crucial. Don’t try to go through this alone. You shouldn’t have to. 

Denial and victim-blaming. Some defendants and their lawyers will try to discredit you, question your memory, or suggest you’re lying. It’s awful and unfair, but it happens! Your attorney will fight back against these tactics, and you need to be prepared for it mentally. 

Institutional resistance. The LDS Church has significant resources and aggressive legal teams. They might drag things out or fight tooth and nail to avoid liability. It can feel like David versus Goliath, and honestly, sometimes it is. But remember: survivors have won significant verdicts and settlements. It’s possible. You’re not powerless. Remember that.

Clergy-penitent privilege. The church often invokes this privilege to keep abuse reports confidential —basically arguing that what’s said to a bishop is like what’s said to a priest in confession. However, recent court rulings have challenged this defense, particularly when internal records show the church’s knowledge of abuse or when mandatory reporting laws are at stake. An Arizona appeals court, for in‐ stance, ruled that a jury should determine if a bishop was legally obligated to report a confession of child sexual abuse. The legal landscape’s shifting. Finally. 

Privacy concerns. While there are protections in place, some aspects of your case might become public. Consider how much exposure you’re comfortable with and discuss this with your attorney upfront. It’s better to know what you’re getting into.

You’re Not Alone in This 

Here’s something really important to remember: hundreds of survivors have filed lawsuits against the LDS Church! You’re part of a larger movement demanding accountability and change. You’re not some isolated case. You’re part of something bigger. 

Many attorneys offer free consultations for abuse cases and work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless they win. If your case involves multiple victims with similar experiences, consulting with a class action lawyer can help determine if a collective approach might be appropriate. This removes the financial barrier to seeking legal help—you’re not gonna be stuck with a massive bill just for trying. 

Support organizations exist to help survivors navigate the legal process and connect with resources. You don’t have to do this alone. Seriously. You don’t. 

 

Making the Decision 

Only you can decide whether filing an lds lawsuit is right for you. There’s no “should” here—it’s entirely personal. Nobody else gets to make this call. 

Some survivors find the legal process empowering and healing. Others find it too stressful or triggering. Both responses are valid. Both are okay. There’s no wrong answer here. 

What matters is that you have options. You have rights. And if you choose to exercise them, resources and support are available. You’re not trapped. You’ve got choices. 

The abuse wasn’t your fault. The church’s failure to protect you wasn’t your fault. And seeking justice? That’s your right. Full stop. No debate. 

Taking the First Step 

If you’re considering an LDS lawsuit or any institutional abuse claim, start by talking to a qualified at‐ torney who’s got experience with these cases. You’re not committing to anything—you’re just gathering information and understanding your options. Think of it as a fact-finding mission! 

You’ve already survived the hardest part. Now you get to decide what justice looks like for you. What closure means. What accountability means. 

Whatever you choose, know that your experience matters, your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard. You always did.