Judge James A. Marlar of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tucson set an April 15 deadline as part of the diocese's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, cutting off any new claims of past sexual abuse.

The deadline's impact will be felt not only in Tucson but in the Phoenix Diocese, which was part of the Tucson Diocese until January 1970. Ten of the 28 abusive priests listed by the Tucson Diocese worked in the Phoenix area before then.

Depending on how many people file abuse claims, it could be the first time any U.S. diocese possesses comprehensive knowledge about the extent of sexual abuse in its past. The Tucson Diocese previously has identified 100 victims.

The diocese had requested a three-month deadline, while others, including a representative of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, requested a period of up to 10 years.

Marlar compromised at six months, with added protections for minors and for those with repressed memories or other incapacitating conditions.

"The time frame seemed appropriate to us, given the other considerations," said Lynne Cadigan, who represents several individuals in lawsuits against the diocese.

Fred Allison, spokesman for the diocese, said the compromise "is a sensitive decision to the interests of all parties."

The deadline applies to individuals who were abused at any time prior to Thursday. It does not apply to potential future abuse victims. Nor would it cut off all aid to those who choose not to file a claim; they remain eligible for counseling and other services through the diocese.

Still to be determined is how the diocese will publicize the deadline, and a process for filing claims. Marlar could make decisions on those matters at the next hearing on Oct. 18.

The Diocese of Tucson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sept. 20, citing continuing litigation with individuals who claimed the diocese failed to protect them from abusive priests.

Reach the reporter at mike.clancy@arizonarepublic.com.