Milw. Archdiocese seeks permission to stop paying some bills

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Archdiocese is seeking permission to stop paying legal and professional fees for a time. That's because officials claim those bills are putting day-to-day operations at risk.

The issue was brought before a judge in bankruptcy court in Milwaukee on Thursday, February 21st.

Archdiocese officials say they would continue to pay its own attorneys in the sex abuse cases with proceeds from its insurance carriers.

The judge asked the church attorney about surplus property it owns -- possibly selling some. The church attorney said selling now would not maximize dollars. But he also said he could come up with an overall plan of action in about 60 days.

There was also discussion about the Milwaukee Archdiocese honoring settlement agreements with clergy sex abuse victims that were reached before the bankruptcy failing. Attorneys for other sex abuse victims questioned compensation for those cases. But attorneys for the insurers said there was a strong chance those claimants aren't event covered.

The Thursday hearing came a day after former Milwaukee Archbishop and current New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan was deposed about clergy sex abuse -- related to claims in the bankruptcy.

The content of the deposition is sealed.