BOSTON -- The Boston Archdiocese's record-breaking $85 million settlement with hundreds of alleged victims of child-molesting priests has won more than the 80 percent approval needed to take effect, a church lawyer said Monday.

The archdiocese's attorney, Thomas Hannigan Jr., said he received signed agreements from more than 442 of the 552 plaintiffs. The threshold was reached three days before Thursday's deadline.

Now, each victim will tell his or her story to a mediator, who will decide the amount the person will receive.