On March 6, 2026, the Catholic Diocese of El Paso filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas. The filing was triggered by twelve lawsuits brought by plaintiffs who were sexually abused by priests in New Mexico parishes between 1956 and early 1982, when southern New Mexico fell within the El Paso diocese's territory. Rothstein Donatelli LLP represents several claimants, including Isaac Melendrez, who chose not to proceed under a John Doe pseudonym to make sure that his voice is heard.
 
Bishop Mark Seitz described the bankruptcy filing as “the only way, with the resources at hand, that [the church] can begin to address this many claimants in an equitable way.” Our clients see it differently. As Mr. Melendrez said, the Diocese is "only doing what is best for them. Bankruptcy brings no justice to the victims, only blanket protection to the diocese. " We agree. Bankruptcy reorganization is a legal shield, and our firm intends to ensure it does not become a mechanism for minimizing what survivors are owed. Read more about our Melendrez's response in this article: https://elpasomatters.org/2026/03/06/el-paso-catholic-diocese-bankruptcyreorganization-clergy-sexual-abuse-lawsuits/
 
For survivors, the practical consequences of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso's bankruptcy are immediate and serious. Any survivor who has a potential claim against Catholic Diocese of El Paso must come forward immediately. Although a claim deadline has not been entered by the bankruptcy court, missing that deadline can permanently extinguish a survivor's right to any compensation. In addition, anyone abused by priest in New Mexico prior to 1982 should come forward, even if the parish is now within the Diocese of Las Cruces.
 
Our firm has been through this process before, and we know how to fight for survivors. If you or someone you know was abused by clergy connected to the Diocese of El Paso, contact us today — the clock is running.