Bigamy lawyer Dinwiddie County, VA
If you need to annul a marriage because your spouse was already legally married to another person, you require a family law attorney — not a criminal defense lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, handles family law matters in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, including annulments based on bigamy. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel represent individuals seeking to establish that a marriage is void from the beginning, protect their property rights, and resolve any related support or custody issues. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Dinwiddie County, Virginia
Bigamy — entering into a marriage while a prior valid marriage remains undissolved — renders the second marriage void from the start. In Dinwiddie County, the Circuit Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over annulment actions. A party may file a complaint seeking a decree of annulment, which declares that no valid marriage ever existed. That declaration carries significant consequences for property division, spousal support, and legitimacy of children.
The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court, located at the Dinwiddie Courthouse, Dinwiddie, VA 23841, hears annulment petitions. Because Virginia treats a bigamous marriage as void ab initio, the court does not distribute property under equitable distribution rules the way it would in a divorce. Instead, the court may determine the parties’ rights based on principles of unjust enrichment or separate-property claims. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are experienced in Handling these distinct legal paths before the Dinwiddie County courts.
Bigamy also affects child custody and support. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Even though the marriage is void, any children born during that union are still entitled to a determination of custody, visitation, and support under Virginia’s best-interests-of-the-child standard. The Dinwiddie County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may be involved if custody or support issues arise apart from the annulment proceeding. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears in both courts to protect your interests.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Bigamy‑Related Family Law Cases
When a client learns that their spouse was already married, the immediate priority is to confirm the status of the prior marriage. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel investigate marriage records, divorce decrees, and other documentation. Once it is clear that the marriage is void, they prepare and file a complaint for annulment in the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. The complaint outlines the factual basis for the bigamy claim and requests the court to declare the marriage void.
Because a void marriage does not create a marital estate, the division of assets and debts follows a different legal theory than divorce. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel analyze whether any property was acquired through joint effort and whether equitable relief is available under Virginia common law. They also address pendente lite matters — such as temporary support or exclusive use of a residence — while the annulment is pending, if the court finds it appropriate. Throughout the process, they work to resolve the matter efficiently and to minimize the emotional and financial toll on the client.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), a measure that revised Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. His thorough understanding of Virginia family law informs every case the firm handles.
Mr. Sris is joined by experienced Of Counsel — attorneys who bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to the firm and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Each Of Counsel is a practicing attorney engaged through the firm; none are employees. They work collaboratively with Mr. Sris on annulment and other family law matters, drawing on backgrounds that include former prosecutorial service and extensive family law litigation. This team‑based approach ensures that a client benefits from multiple perspectives while receiving individual case review from the attorneys handling the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy in Virginia?
Bigamy occurs when a person marries someone while still legally married to another living person, making the subsequent marriage void. Under Virginia law, a bigamous marriage is void from the beginning, meaning it has no legal effect. Neither party needs to prove fault — the marriage never existed. This is distinct from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. If you discover your spouse was already married, you can seek an annulment in the Dinwiddie County Circuit Court to obtain a judicial declaration confirming the marriage is void. That declaration is important for clearing your marital status and resolving property and parental‑rights issues.
Can I get an annulment for a bigamous marriage in Dinwiddie County?
Yes, a party to a bigamous marriage may file a complaint for annulment in Dinwiddie County Circuit Court. The court has jurisdiction to hear annulment actions. You must establish that the other spouse was already validly married to a third person at the time of your wedding and that the prior marriage had not been dissolved. Once the court grants the annulment, the marriage is declared void from the start. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel can help you gather the necessary marriage and divorce records and present your case to the court.
What happens to property and assets in a bigamous marriage?
Because a bigamous marriage is void, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute ordinarily does not apply; property rights are determined by common law principles. The Dinwiddie County Circuit Court may consider claims for reimbursement or recovery of property that a party contributed to the relationship. Jointly acquired assets may be divided based on concepts of contribution and unjust enrichment. A family law attorney can evaluate the specific assets and debts and help you assert your property interests. For guidance on your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer for an annulment based on bigamy?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but Handling an annulment in Dinwiddie County without counsel can be challenging due to the procedural and evidentiary requirements. Filing the complaint, serving the other party, presenting evidence of the prior marriage, and addressing any counterclaims all require familiarity with Virginia court rules. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the annulment is processed correctly. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel offer consultations to discuss the specifics of your case.
How long does an annulment take in Dinwiddie County?
The timeline for an annulment varies depending on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the other party contests the action. An uncontested annulment may be resolved within a few months after filing, while a contested matter can take significantly longer. The process involves filing the complaint, service of process, potential hearings, and the court’s scheduling. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. focuses on moving the case forward efficiently while protecting your interests. For a more particular timeline based on your circumstances, call (888) 437‑7747.
What about children born during a bigamous marriage?
Children born during a void marriage are still legally entitled to custody, visitation, and child support under Virginia law. The invalidity of the marriage does not affect the rights of the children. The Dinwiddie County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may handle custody and support matters if separate proceedings are necessary. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel can represent you in these related family law issues to ensure that the children’s best interests are addressed. To discuss your parenting concerns, reach our location at (888) 437‑7747.
Related family law services in surrounding counties:
Fairfax County family law attorney ·
Prince William County family law attorney ·
Manassas family law attorney ·
Fairfax City family law attorney ·
Falls Church family law attorney
Virginia primary law resources:
Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) ·
Dinwiddie County Circuit Court ·
Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.
Related reading: our statewide page on bigamy in Virginia.