Bigamy lawyer James City County, VA
Bigamy — entering into a marriage while still lawfully married to another person — creates serious legal consequences that touch both criminal and family law. In James City County, Virginia, allegations of bigamy can affect divorce proceedings, annulments, child custody, spousal support, and property division. If you are facing a bigamy-related family law matter, or if your spouse’s concealed prior marriage has come to light, you need clear guidance on how Virginia law applies in the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in family law cases involving bigamy in James City County. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team have experience Handling the intersection of criminal exposure and family court outcomes. For a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What bigamy means in James City County, Virginia
Bigamy is defined under Virginia law as marrying another person while one’s lawful spouse is alive and the prior marriage remains undissolved. Even if the second marriage was solemnized in another state, Virginia may treat it as void if one party was already married. In James City County, family law issues tied to bigamy — such as annulment, divorce on fault grounds, child custody, and support — are handled in the James City County Circuit Court for the divorce or annulment action, while related custody and support matters may proceed in the James City County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The Williamsburg/James City County General District Court addresses any criminal misdemeanor charges, although bigamy itself is a felony offense prosecuted at the circuit court level.
James City County, home to Williamsburg and communities such as Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot, sits within Virginia’s Ninth Judicial District. The Circuit Court at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 4, Williamsburg, Virginia, has jurisdiction over petitions for annulment based on an existing prior marriage. For clients in James City County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves the area from its Richmond location, located at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, Virginia 23225. By appointment, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel appear in the courts of James City County to advocate for clients whose family law disputes involve bigamy claims.
How Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel handle bigamy-related family law cases
Family law cases involving bigamy typically arise in one of two scenarios: either a spouse discovers after the wedding that the other party was already married, or a person is accused of bigamy and faces both family court petitions and possible criminal charges. Our team addresses the family law dimension first, working to determine whether an annulment or divorce is the appropriate remedy and which court will have authority over the matter. Annulment petitions in Virginia are governed by Va. Code § 20-89.1, which declares a marriage void if either party had a living spouse at the time of the marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel evaluate whether the marriage is void ab initio (meaning it never legally existed) or voidable, and they advise clients on the consequences for child custody, support, and property division.
The approach is tailored to the procedural requirements of James City County. Once a complaint for divorce or annulment is filed in the Circuit Court, the court may enter pendente lite orders to address temporary custody, support, and use of the marital residence while the case is pending. Because allegations of bigamy often involve complex factual disputes — such as whether the prior marriage was validly dissolved or whether the accused party knew of its existence — Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel work with clients to gather relevant marriage records, prior divorce decrees, and other documentation. When parallel criminal charges exist, the team helps clients understand how statements made in family court may affect the criminal case, and they coordinate strategy accordingly.
About Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors view bigamy allegations, which can inform both family court strategy and any related criminal defense. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), demonstrating his engagement with Virginia family law legislation.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive collective experience in family law and criminal defense. The firm has a track record of over 4,739 documented results for its clients. Results may vary. The firm’s Richmond location serves clients throughout James City County and the surrounding region. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your bigamy-related family law matter.
Frequently asked questions about bigamy in James City County
What is bigamy under Virginia law?
Bigamy is marrying another person while legally married to a living spouse. Under , bigamy is a felony offense in Virginia. A marriage is void if one party had a living spouse at the time the marriage was solemnized. This applies even if the second marriage took place out of state. A person charged with bigamy can face criminal prosecution in the James City County Circuit Court, and the family law consequences — including annulment, property division, and child custody — are determined in civil courts.
How does bigamy affect a marriage in James City County?
A marriage entered into while a prior marriage exists is void from the beginning. In James City County, the Circuit Court may grant an annulment upon a showing that one spouse was already married. The marriage is treated as if it never legally occurred, which can impact rights to spousal support and property division. If the parties have children, the court will still address custody and support in the best interests of the child, but the annulled spouse may not have the same rights as a divorcing spouse. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel guide clients through the annulment process in the James City County Circuit Court.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse committed bigamy?
Yes, Virginia law allows an annulment when a marriage is bigamous. Under Va. Code § 20-89.1, a marriage is void if either party had a lawful living spouse at the time of the marriage. To obtain an annulment in James City County, you must file a complaint in the Circuit Court at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 4, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. The court will require evidence of the prior marriage and that it was not dissolved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can assist in preparing and presenting the necessary documentation.
Does bigamy affect child custody or support in Virginia?
Custody and support decisions focus on the child’s best interests, not on the invalidity of the marriage. Even if a marriage is annulled due to bigamy, Virginia courts have authority to issue custody, visitation, and child support orders under Va. Code § 20-124.2 and Virginia’s child support guidelines. The court will consider the same factors it uses in any custody case: the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s capacity to care for the child, and any history of abuse. Bigamy itself does not automatically disqualify a parent, but the court may weigh the circumstances surrounding the bigamous marriage.
What should I do if I am accused of bigamy in James City County?
If you face bigamy allegations, speak with an experienced family law attorney before making any statements. Bigamy accusations can lead to criminal charges and family court petitions simultaneously. Do not discuss the case with your spouse, law enforcement, or social media until you have legal guidance. Preserve all relevant marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and communication records. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you understand the potential family law and criminal consequences and develop a strategy that protects your rights in both arenas.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy-related family law matter in James City County?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, bigamy cases present complex legal issues that benefit from experienced representation. The interplay between void-marriage annulments, child custody, potential criminal exposure, and property division makes these matters procedurally demanding. A family law attorney familiar with James City County courts can help you Handling the process, meet filing deadlines, and present a clear case. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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