Bigamy lawyer Charles County, MD

Family law issues involving bigamy—when one spouse enters a marriage while still legally married to another—create serious legal complications in Charles County, Maryland. A bigamous marriage is void from the outset under Maryland law, meaning it has no legal effect. This can affect property division, spousal support, child custody, and even criminal exposure. If you are facing a situation where a marriage may be invalid because of a prior undissolved marriage, or you need to protect your rights when a spouse has concealed an existing marriage, you need experienced guidance. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. help clients in Charles County Handling the annulment process, divorce proceedings, and related family law matters. To discuss your circumstances, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Bigamy Means for Family Law in Charles County, Maryland

Charles County family law matters involving bigamy are handled primarily in the Circuit Court for Charles County, located at 200 Charles Street in La Plata. Maryland defines bigamy as marrying someone while being legally married to another person, and it is a criminal offense. From a family law perspective, however, the critical consequence is that a bigamous marriage is void ab initio—it is treated as though it never existed. This means there is no legal marriage to dissolve through divorce; instead, the appropriate remedy is an annulment, which declares the marriage null and void.

In Charles County, family law judges consider the impact of a bigamous marriage on several issues. Property acquired during the purported marriage is not marital property subject to equitable distribution because no valid marriage existed. However, the court may address property rights under theories of unjust enrichment or partition if the parties jointly acquired assets. Child custody and support are determined based on the best interests of the child and Maryland’s child support guidelines, regardless of the marriage’s validity. Spousal support is generally unavailable because the relationship lacked legal status, though limited relief may be available in rare circumstances. Because of these complexities, working with a lawyer who understands both the family law and criminal law dimensions of bigamy is important.

The firm’s Maryland location in Rockville serves clients throughout the state, including La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the Circuit Court for Charles County and the District Court of Maryland for Charles County when family law matters intersect with criminal charges.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Matters

When a client presents a bigamy-related issue, the first step is to verify the status of the prior marriage. This involves obtaining marriage and divorce records from the jurisdiction where the prior marriage occurred, often working with out-of-state or foreign authorities. Once the factual picture is clear, the team advises on the most appropriate legal path—usually an annulment in Maryland if the marriage was entered into while a prior marriage was still valid. The annulment petition is filed in the Circuit Court for Charles County, and the process typically requires proving that the marriage is void because one party lacked capacity to marry due to an existing undissolved marriage.

If the parties have children together, custody and support arrangements must be established simultaneously with the annulment. Maryland’s child support guidelines apply, and custody is determined under the trusted-interests standard. The attorney team works to negotiate a parenting plan when possible, but is prepared to litigate if necessary. In cases where the bigamous spouse concealed the prior marriage, there may also be grounds for a separate civil claim, such as fraud, which the firm can evaluate.

When criminal bigamy charges are pending, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can represent the accused in Charles County District Court, while simultaneously handling the family law aspects. This dual focus helps ensure consistent strategy across both dockets. The team’s approach is to reduce conflict when possible, protect the client’s parental rights, and safeguard any assets that the client brought into the relationship. Throughout the matter, the firm maintains candid communication about the likely range of outcomes, based on extensive experience in Maryland family courts.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since founding the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings a thorough understanding of courtroom dynamics to every case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, giving the firm a broad multi-state capability.

Working alongside Mr. Sris are Of Counsel attorneys, including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with extensive experience in Maryland family law and litigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team handles bigamy-related annulments, divorce, custody, and property issues with a focus on practical solutions and thorough preparation. To discuss your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bigamy under Maryland law?

Bigamy occurs when a person marries while still legally married to another living spouse. The second marriage is void from the start. In Maryland, bigamy is a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine years in prison. From a family law standpoint, the void marriage cannot be the basis for divorce; instead, the parties must seek an annulment. The Circuit Court for Charles County has jurisdiction over annulment petitions.

How does a bigamous marriage affect child custody in Charles County?

Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, regardless of whether the parents were validly married. In Charles County, the court will consider factors such as each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability of the home environment. The invalidity of the marriage does not automatically strip either parent of custody or visitation rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help parents present evidence to support their custody position. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Can I get spousal support if the marriage was bigamous?

Generally, no spousal support is available from a bigamous marriage because no valid marriage existed to create a duty of support. However, in limited situations, a court may award temporary support during the annulment proceeding or under other equitable theories. Each case is fact-specific, and the firm can evaluate whether any relief might be available based on the circumstances. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Charles County?

While you can file for an annulment without a lawyer, having experienced counsel is strongly recommended. Bigamy cases often involve complex proof of the prior marriage, service of process on an out-of-state spouse, and simultaneous custody or property disputes. An attorney can ensure the annulment is properly plead and that all related issues—such as parenting time and asset division—are addressed in the same proceeding. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel offer consultations by appointment at (888) 437-7747.

What property rights do I have if the marriage is void for bigamy?

Because a bigamous marriage is void, the parties do not acquire marital property subject to equitable distribution. However, if the couple jointly owned real estate, personal property, or bank accounts, Maryland courts can resolve ownership under partition or unjust enrichment theories. The firm can help you identify and seek your share of jointly held assets. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Can bigamy affect immigration status?

Yes, a bigamous marriage can have serious immigration consequences. Entering a marriage while still married to another person can be grounds for denying a green card or naturalization application, and may trigger removal proceedings. If you are facing immigration issues connected to a bigamous marriage, it is important to seek advice from an attorney who handles both family law and immigration matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in both areas and can advise you on the trusted course of action.

Internal resources:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Where a matter falls outside Charles County, our statewide page on bigamy in Maryland applies.

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