Indianapolis Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If a priest, pastor, or other religious leader harmed you, you can talk with an Indiana-licensed attorney who handles clergy abuse cases — privately, at your pace.
How we help
If you were abused by a member of the clergy in the Indianapolis area, you have the right to be heard
You can speak with an Indiana-licensed attorney about a civil claim against the individual and the religious institution that allowed it to happen. The conversation is free and confidential, and nothing moves forward without your say-so. Whether the abuse happened at a parish on the north side, a congregation in Marion County, or a church school in the surrounding metro, your experience matters here.
AbuseGuardian is a survivor-first network. We are not a mass-tort volume mill. When you reach out, your message goes to an intake team that listens first, and we connect you with an attorney admitted in Indiana who understands how clergy and institutional cases are handled in this state and in the Indianapolis courts.
Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
Where this happens
Clergy abuse settings around Indianapolis
Clergy abuse is not limited to one denomination or one kind of building. These are common settings survivors describe across the Indianapolis metro.
Parishes & congregations
Catholic parishes, Protestant churches, and other houses of worship across Marion County and the Indianapolis archdiocese, where a trusted leader had private access to children or vulnerable adults.
Church-run schools & CCD
Parochial schools, Sunday school, confirmation and CCD classes, and youth-ministry programs tied to Indianapolis-area congregations.
Camps, retreats & mission trips
Church youth groups, summer camps, retreats, and mission trips organized by Indianapolis congregations, where supervision was thin and adults were left alone with minors.
Accountability
Who can be held responsible for clergy abuse
In a clergy case, responsibility often reaches beyond the individual who caused the harm. An Indiana attorney can look at whether a diocese, denomination, or congregation failed to protect you and can be held accountable in a civil claim.
- The individual clergy member or religious leader who committed the abuse.
- The diocese, archdiocese, or denominational body that supervised, assigned, or transferred that person.
- The local parish, church, or congregation that employed or hosted them.
- Affiliated schools, camps, or youth programs that placed them around children.
Indiana deadlines
Indiana has its own filing deadlines — get them confirmed early
Indiana law sets time limits on when a clergy abuse claim can be filed, and they depend on factors like your age and when the abuse occurred. These deadlines are calm facts, not a countdown — but they are worth checking sooner rather than later. For the full breakdown, see the Indiana statute of limitations on our state page. An Indiana-licensed attorney can tell you exactly how the deadline applies to your situation.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
Named, credentialed, local
Attorneys licensed in your state
Every connection is to a real attorney with verifiable credentials and a record of holding institutions accountable.
Michael Haggard, Esq.
Laurence Banville, Esq.
Eric Weitz, Esq.
Max Morgan, Esq.
Jeff Gibson, Esq.
Ervin Nevitt, Esq.
John Bey, Esq.
Aman Sharma, Esq.
Dan Lipman, Esq.
Joshua Gillispie, Esq.
Jennifer Lipinski, Esq.
Aaron Blank, Esq.
Common questions
Indianapolis clergy abuse questions
Can I sue the Catholic Church in Indiana?
Yes. In Indiana you may be able to bring a civil claim not only against the individual clergy member but also against the diocese, archdiocese, or church body that supervised them. An Indiana-licensed attorney can review whether the institution failed to protect you and what claims may apply to your case.
What is the average settlement for a clergy or priest abuse case?
There is no single average — outcomes depend on the facts, the institutions involved, and the harm caused. Be cautious of any firm that promises a number up front. An Indianapolis-area attorney can give you a grounded, honest sense of your options after hearing what happened.
How long does a clergy abuse case take to resolve?
It varies widely. Some cases resolve in months; others take longer when an institution is involved or records must be uncovered. Your attorney will give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Are clergy abuse settlements taxable?
Generally, compensation for physical injury and related emotional harm is not taxed as income, though some portions can be treated differently. This is a personal tax question, so confirm the details with a tax professional and your attorney before you rely on any general rule.
What evidence do I need to start a clergy abuse claim?
You do not need to have everything ready. Helpful details include roughly when the abuse occurred, the parish or congregation involved, and the denomination. Your memory of what happened is itself evidence — an Indiana attorney can help gather records and corroboration from there.
How much does an Indianapolis clergy abuse lawyer cost?
The attorneys in our network handle these cases on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront fees and the lawyer is paid only if your case succeeds. The initial consultation is free and confidential, so reaching out costs you nothing.
Will my family or church find out if I come forward?
Your first conversation is private. You control what happens next and when. Many survivors are surprised by how much can be done confidentially before any public step is taken. Your Indiana attorney will explain exactly what is and is not visible at each stage.
I was abused decades ago in Indianapolis — is it too late?
Not necessarily. Indiana's deadlines depend on several factors, and many survivors come forward years later. The only way to know is to ask. See the Indiana statute of limitations and speak with an attorney who can apply it to your situation.
Free & confidential
Talk to an Indianapolis clergy abuse lawyer
Your message goes privately to our Indiana intake team. We listen first — no pressure, no obligation.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
Start your free case review
It only takes a minute. Share what you’re comfortable with.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Take the first step on your terms. A free, confidential conversation could be the start of getting the justice and support you deserve.