Episcopal Canon Law Attorney
Episcopal Canon Law attorney defending clergy and advising dioceses nationwide in Title IV (Title 4) disciplinary matters, Title IV canonical investigations, and Title III (Title 3) pastoral dissolution.
Episcopal clergy attorney providing Title IV (Title 4) and Title III (Title 3) Canon Law representation nationwide.
Episcopal Canon Law Services
TITLE IV DEFENSE (TITLE 4)
Legal representation by an Episcopal Title IV (Title 4) attorney for priests, deacons, and bishops facing disciplinary allegations.
TITLE IV INVESTIGATION (TITLE 4)
Canonical investigation services provided by an Episcopal Canon Law attorney for dioceses handling Title IV (Title 4) matters.
TITLE III PASTORAL DISSOLUTION (TITLE 3)
Representation by an Episcopal Title III (Title 3) attorney in pastoral dissolution proceedings.
CANON LAW COUNSEL
Counsel for Episcopal dioceses, faith communities, and clergy on matters arising under the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, including governance, discipline, and pastoral transitions.
A Note to Clergy Named as a Respondent (Title IV / Title 4)
If you have been notified that a Title IV (Title 4) complaint has been filed against you, it is normal to feel shocked, frightened, confused, or overwhelmed..
The Title IV process is unlike anything most clergy have ever encountered. It is not a civil court proceeding. It does not operate under the constitutional or procedural protections that govern the secular justice system. Respondents have limited rights, strict timelines, and little margin for error.
You should not attempt to navigate this process alone.
From the earliest stages of intake and referral through investigation, potential restrictions on ministry, negotiations, and formal proceedings, the Title IV process requires careful, informed, and strategic response. My role is to help you understand where you are in the process, what the Canons require, and how best to protect your vocational, personal, and spiritual interests. If you need Title IV / Title 4 help, request a confidential consultation before responding in writing.
Episcopal Title IV (Title 4) Attorney & Canonical Investigations
I am an Episcopal Title IV attorney providing legal representation, defense, and canonical investigation services for clergy and dioceses nationwide.
The disciplinary process can be opaque and intimidating. We demystify the proceedings and serve as your shield and advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected against procedural overreach.
Request a Confidential Consult →Intake & Early Strategy
The earliest stage is often the most critical. We advise clergy immediately upon notification of a complaint to prevent inadvertent admissions and to frame the initial response. Strategic engagement during the Intake phase can sometimes resolve matters before they escalate to full investigation.
Investigation & Reference Panel
If a matter proceeds, we actively monitor the canonical investigation to ensure it remains impartial and within scope. We prepare Respondents for interviews and draft comprehensive written submissions to the Reference Panel, advocating for dismissal or non-punitive pastoral resolutions.
Conference Panel, Accord & Resolution
Many Title IV matters are resolved through negotiation. We are skilled in crafting Accords (settlements) that prioritize healing, restitution, and the protection of the clergy member's future ministry, avoiding the unpredictability of a trial.
Hearing Panel Proceedings (Ecclesiastical Trial)
If a resolution cannot be reached, we provide vigorous defense advocacy before the Hearing Panel. This includes pre-hearing motions, discovery management, cross-examination of witnesses, and presentation of evidence to refute allegations or mitigate outcomes.
Title III (Title 3): Pastoral Dissolution
As an Episcopal Title III (Title 3) attorney, I represent clergy and advise bishops nationwide in pastoral dissolution matters.
The "Imperiled" Relationship
Under Title III, Canon 9.12 (and similar diocesan canons), a Bishop may intervene when the pastoral relationship between a Rector and the parish is threatened. These situations are often fraught with conflict involving:
- Irreconcilable differences with the Vestry
- Financial instability or parish decline
- Loss of confidence in leadership
Protecting Your Vocation
A dissolution is not merely a resignation; it is a complex negotiation of a spiritual and professional contract. We represent clergy to ensure fair treatment and to construct a "soft landing" during this difficult transition.
Severance Negotiation
Securing appropriate financial support, housing allowances, and benefits continuation to bridge the gap to your next call.
Reputation Management
Ensuring the terms of dissolution—including non-disparagement clauses and official statements—do not hinder future calls to ministry.
About Lisa Hodges -Episcopal Canon Law Attorney
Lisa P. Hodges is an Episcopal Canon Law attorney whose practice is devoted exclusively to Title IV (Title 4) and Title III (Title 3) representation nationwide.
With a profound understanding of ecclesiastical law and the unique pastoral context of the Church, Lisa offers compassionate yet steadfast representation. She is committed to upholding canonical integrity while ensuring due process and fair treatment.
Philosophy
"I believe that expert legal guidance, delivered with integrity and empathy, is essential for maintaining the health and witness of the Episcopal Church."
Title IV (Title 4) & Title III (Title 3) Canon Law Representation
Title IV of the Canons of the Episcopal Church forms the backbone of the Church’s ecclesiastical disciplinary system. For many members of the clergy, the mere mention of “Title IV” evokes fear, confusion, and deep anxiety. The Title IV process is complex, unfamiliar, and emotionally taxing. It operates outside the civil judicial system, and Respondents are afforded few of the protections that ordinarily exist in secular jurisprudence.
My practice is devoted to the resolution of Title IV (Title 4) and Title III (Title 3) matters. In pastoral dissolution cases, I represent clergy seeking outcomes that protect their vocational calling while safeguarding their professional, spiritual, emotional, and financial well-being.
I am an attorney with extensive experience representing clergy and Episcopal dioceses across the United States. Before focusing my practice on Canon law, I spent more than 35 years in litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters. I am also a committed Episcopalian who has served the Church in a variety of roles.
"If you are clergy in the Episcopal Church, any adjudicatory or Title IV process initiated by your diocese should not be taken lightly or confronted alone. You should immediately seek the assistance of legal counsel well-versed in Canon Law. Lisa Hodges is that attorney."
FAQ - Common Questions
Understanding the canonical process is the first step toward protecting your ministry.
What is a Title IV (Title 4) complaint in the Episcopal Church?
Title III governs the ministry of priests and deacons, including the process for the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between a rector and a vestry when the relationship has become imperiled. Title IV is the disciplinary canon that addresses allegations of misconduct ("Offenses") by clergy. While they are distinct processes, tensions in a parish can sometimes lead to issues involving both canons.
Do I need an attorney for Title IV?
Yes. The Church (Diocese) will have its own Chancellor (attorney) and Church Attorney advising the Bishop and handling the proceedings. The Title IV process can have life-altering consequences for your career, finances, and reputation. Having an experienced Advisor/Attorney ensures your rights are protected and you navigate the complex procedural requirements correctly.
Is my consultation confidential?
Absolutely. As an attorney, I am bound by the attorney-client privilege. Anything you discuss with me during our consultation or subsequent representation is strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed without your permission.
Can you represent me in any diocese?
Yes. Canon Law is national in scope, applying to the entire Episcopal Church. I represent clergy and dioceses in proceedings across the United States. While I am based in Missouri, modern technology allows for effective representation nationwide, and I travel when necessary for hearings or critical meetings.
When should I contact you?
Immediately. If you have been contacted by an Intake Officer, or if you believe a complaint is imminent, do not wait. Early intervention is critical. Statements you make early in the process—even with good intentions—can be used against you later. It is best to have counsel before you speak with anyone in the diocesan structure about the allegations.
Get in Touch
Send a Confidential Message
Contact Information
Legal Notice
Episcopal attorney • Episcopal lawyer • Canon Law attorney • Title IV / Title 4 help • Title III / Title 3 help • Pastoral dissolution • Canonical investigations • The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.