Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
The allegations involving Father Joseph Clarence W. Forand reveal a deeply troubling pattern within the Diocese of Springfield—trusted priests using their roles to abuse children under the guise of faith. Survivors have described incidents of sexual abuse occurring over several years, often with no intervention from church officials.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Father Joseph Clarence W. Forand was ordained in 1945 and served in multiple parishes across the Diocese of Springfield for approximately fifty years, maintaining consistent access to children and families through his parish assignments. In 1993, a man reported that Forand had sexually abused him repeatedly over several years, when he was between the ages of 9 and 17. The Diocese’s Misconduct Commission found that allegation credible. Despite that finding, diocesan officials took no action against Forand at the time, citing his recent retirement status.
Even after the credible finding, Forand continued to serve as a retired priest, filling in at various parishes, until 2002, when new Church policies required that he be removed from public ministry and notified that he could no longer present himself as a priest. One survivor’s claim against Forand was later included in the Diocese of Springfield’s 2004 settlement of approximately $7.5 million, which involved forty-five survivors and eighteen accused priests.
In 2018, a separate individual reported sexual abuse by Forand, Reverend Edward Authier, and Bishop Christopher Weldon. The Diocesan Review Board reviewed that account and deemed the allegations credible, further underscoring the diocese’s longstanding failure to protect children in its care. Forand died in May 2005. He is listed in the Diocese of Springfield’s official report of clergy with credible findings of sexual abuse of a minor.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Client Reviews
Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us