Bigamy lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD
Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—creates serious and complex family law consequences in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. A bigamous marriage is not just a criminal offense; it is void from the start, meaning it never legally existed as a marriage. This reality affects everything from property division and spousal support to child custody and inheritance rights. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. For a person who discovers that their spouse was already married, or for someone accused of bigamy, the stakes are high. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring substantial experience in handling bigamy-related family law matters throughout Anne Arundel County, including cases that touch on annulment, property disputes, and the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly before the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, located at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, and understand the local procedures that apply to family litigation in the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Anne Arundel County
In Maryland, bigamy is both a crime under the state’s criminal code and a civil matter that falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the family courts. For family law purposes, a bigamous marriage is void ab initio—it is treated as if it never occurred. This distinction matters greatly when a person seeks to dissolve the supposed marriage, divide property, determine child custody, or assert spousal rights. In Anne Arundel County, the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County hears annulment petitions that arise from bigamy, as well as any related requests for equitable relief. The court sits in Annapolis, the state capital, and serves a broad geographic area that includes communities such as Glen Burnie, Crofton, Severna Park, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. Major roadways including I-97, Route 2, and Route 50 connect these communities, making the courthouse accessible to residents across the county.
Maryland family law does not require a divorce when a marriage is void due to bigamy; rather, an annulment is the proper remedy. An annulment declares that the marriage never legally existed. In the context of bigamy, the petitioner must typically show that a prior undissolved marriage existed at the time of the subsequent ceremony. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court may also address related issues such as custody of children, child support, and the distribution of property that the parties acquired during the putative marriage. Children born of a void marriage are treated as legitimate under Maryland law for purposes of custody and support, which means parenting time and financial obligations are still decided according to the child’s best interests. These cases can require close attention to evidentiary rules, including the authentication of out-of-state or foreign divorce decrees. With court processes rooted in the Maryland Rules of Procedure, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide clients through the necessary steps to seek legal clarity and protect their rights.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy Cases
Bigamy matters often involve overlapping legal issues—civil annulment, property disputes, custody, and sometimes criminal defense. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Approach each case with a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate legal problem and its downstream effects. When a client discovers that their spouse was already married, the first step is to gather documentation: marriage certificates, evidence of the prior marriage, and any relevant divorce or annulment decrees. If the prior marriage ended in divorce but that divorce was not properly reflected in records, the team works to establish the facts through official records and, when necessary, experienced attorney verification of foreign documents. For clients facing criminal bigamy charges, the firm’s experience extends to the concurrent defense of criminal allegations while pursuing the civil remedies that protect the client’s financial and parental interests.
In the family law context, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare and file petitions for annulment in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, along with any motions for temporary relief concerning custody, use of the family home, or support. The court may schedule a hearing to review the evidence, and the attorneys present the necessary proof to demonstrate that the marriage is void. The timeline for resolution depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the property issues, and whether the opposing party contests the annulment. Throughout the process, the firm’s lawyers maintain communication with the client, explaining each procedural step and the likely outcomes under Maryland family law. When the case involves children, the team works to ensure that custody and visitation orders reflect the child’s best interests, consistent with the factors outlined in Maryland’s Family Law Article. The goal is to achieve a resolution that provides legal certainty and allows all parties to move forward.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a multi-state practice that has served clients since 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings a thorough understanding of courtroom procedure and case preparation to each family law matter he handles. His bar admissions include Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, which enables the firm to assist clients whose bigamy cases may involve out-of-state marriages or cross-jurisdictional issues. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his ongoing engagement with the legislative process. He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collectively contribute substantial legal experience in family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense.
The Of Counsel team at the firm includes attorneys with backgrounds that strengthen the firm’s ability to Handling the sensitive aspects of bigamy cases. All Of Counsel attorneys are engaged through Excella and work collaboratively with Mr. Sris to develop case strategies that are tailored to the client’s specific circumstances. Their collective knowledge covers the procedural nuances of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court and the District Court of Maryland for related matters. This structure provides clients with thorough representation without the overhead of a large firm. Whether a client needs to file an annulment, negotiate property distribution, or address pending criminal charges, the team is prepared to provide informed guidance. Consultations are available by appointment; contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy under Maryland law?
Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while still being legally married to another, and it renders the second marriage void from the start. In Maryland, a bigamous marriage is not merely voidable—it is void ab initio, meaning it never had legal effect. Both civil and criminal consequences can flow from bigamy. Criminally, a person who knowingly enters into a bigamous marriage may face charges. In family law, the primary civil remedy is an annulment, which declares the marriage void and addresses property, custody, and support issues that arose during the putative marriage.
How does bigamy affect a marriage in Anne Arundel County?
A marriage that is discovered to be bigamous is treated as if it never existed, so divorce is not required; instead, an annulment is filed to formally void the marriage. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles these annulment petitions. The court may also decide related matters such as custody of children, child support, and division of property acquired during the relationship. Because the marriage was void, certain spousal rights like inheritance or alimony may not apply, but the court can still fashion equitable relief to avoid injustice.
Can I get an annulment for a bigamous marriage in Anne Arundel County?
Yes, a person may petition the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for an annulment on the ground that the marriage is bigamous and therefore void. The petitioner must present evidence that at least one party was already lawfully married at the time of the subsequent ceremony. Acceptable evidence may include a marriage certificate from the prior marriage, a divorce decree, or an official record showing that the prior marriage was never dissolved. The court reviews the facts and, if satisfied, enters a decree of annulment. After the annulment is granted, the court can address custody and property issues.
What happens to property from a bigamous marriage?
Property division following a finding of bigamy is governed by equitable principles, not by the usual marital property rules that apply in divorce. Because the marriage is void, the concept of marital property does not attach in the same way. However, the court may consider the contributions of each party during the relationship and may order a division of property based on principles of constructive trust or unjust enrichment. If the parties acquired real estate or other assets jointly, the court can partition the property or order a sale and division of proceeds. These cases are fact-specific, and legal guidance is essential to protect one’s financial interests.
Is bigamy a crime in Maryland?
Yes, bigamy is a criminal offense under Maryland law, and a person who knowingly contracts a bigamous marriage may face prosecution. Criminal charges are handled in the District Court of Maryland or the Circuit Court, depending on the severity. Potential penalties, including fines and possible incarceration, vary based on the circumstances. A conviction can carry long-term collateral consequences, such as damage to reputation and employment. When a person is facing criminal bigamy charges alongside family law issues, it is important to coordinate the civil and criminal strategies. An experienced attorney can help Handling both tracks.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Anne Arundel County?
While Maryland law does not require a lawyer to file for annulment, having legal representation helps ensure that the petition is properly prepared, all necessary evidence is presented, and any related custody or property issues are resolved in a manner that protects your rights. The annulment process involves procedural requirements that can be challenging to handle alone, especially when the other party is uncooperative or when out-of-state records must be authenticated. An attorney familiar with the Anne Arundel County courts can anticipate issues and argue for appropriate relief. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If you need assistance with a family law matter in a nearby county, you may also find these pages helpful: Montgomery County family law attorneys, Prince George’s County family law attorneys, Howard County family law attorneys, Frederick County family law attorneys, and Baltimore County family law attorneys.
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