Bigamy lawyer Salisbury, MD
Allegations of bigamy — marrying one person while still legally married to another — create serious family law consequences. In Salisbury, Maryland, these matters intersect with divorce, annulment, property division, and even parental rights. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team concentrate their practice on guiding clients through the complex civil proceedings that follow a bigamous marriage. Whether you need to annul a void marriage, protect your assets, or defend your parental role, experienced legal counsel can clarify your position. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Salisbury, Maryland
Under Maryland law, a marriage entered into while either party has a living spouse is void from its inception. The Wicomico County Circuit Court, located at 201 Baptist Street in Salisbury, handles annulment actions and related family law issues arising from bigamous unions. The court has the authority to declare the marriage void and to resolve ancillary matters such as property division, custody, and support. Maryland’s equitable distribution framework applies, meaning that property acquired during the purported marriage must be treated with precision. Salisbury, as the commercial hub of the Eastern Shore, often sees family law cases involving small-business and agricultural assets that complicate property analysis. An annulment based on bigamy typically requires a verified complaint and service on the other spouse; the proceeding ultimately seeks a judicial decree that no valid marriage ever existed.
Because a bigamous marriage is legally void, no divorce is needed to dissolve it. However, overlapping issues—such as pensions, real estate, and debts incurred during the relationship—frequently require court orders to untangle. A skilled court presentation, anchored in Maryland’s Family Law Article, helps prevent one party from gaining an unfair advantage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team assess each case individually, applying the statutory factors to secure an equitable result.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy Cases
When a client brings a bigamy-related matter, the firm begins by confirming the existence of the prior undissolved marriage. Evidence such as marriage certificates, court records, and sworn statements is gathered to support an annulment petition filed in the Circuit Court. Because Maryland now grants absolute divorce on only three grounds—mutual consent, six-month separation, or irreconcilable differences—resolving a bigamous marriage through annulment, rather than divorce, streamlines the legal path. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare pleadings that accurately reflect the void status of the marriage, avoiding any implication that a valid marital estate exists for equitable distribution beyond what the law provides.
Where children are involved, the firm addresses custody and child support under the “best interests of the child” standard. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem or order a custody evaluation, particularly if the bigamous marriage created instability. Throughout the process, clients receive clear guidance on court expectations, discovery demands, and the local practices of the Wicomico County Circuit Court. The firm draws on extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to advance each case efficiently. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and has 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. His background in criminal and family law provides a solid foundation for handling cases where bigamy intersects with asset division and parental rights. Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team, all non-employee attorneys engaged through Excella, brings additional family law insight. Together, they have documented case results across multiple practice areas. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal effect of a bigamous marriage in Maryland?
A marriage entered into while one party has a living spouse is void from the start under Maryland law, meaning it does not create a valid marital relationship. Consequently, neither party acquires the legal rights of a spouse, such as inheritance or pension benefits. However, the parties may still need a court decree of annulment to resolve property disputes or to formally dissolve the purported union for administrative purposes. The Wicomico County Circuit Court has jurisdiction to declare the marriage void and to enter orders concerning property, custody, and support. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
Can I get an annulment instead of a divorce for a bigamous marriage?
Yes, annulment is the proper remedy for a bigamous marriage because the union is legally void. Unlike divorce, which dissolves a valid marriage, annulment establishes that no marriage ever existed. This distinction can affect the division of property and the ability to seek spousal support. A petition for annulment must be filed in the Circuit Court, and the court will need evidence of the prior undissolved marriage. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does bigamy affect child custody in Salisbury?
Bigamy itself does not automatically alter custody rights; Maryland courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as stability, parental fitness, and the child’s needs. However, if the bigamous marriage or the revelations surrounding it create an environment that harms the child, the court may weigh that evidence heavily. The Wicomico County Circuit Court may order a custody evaluation or appoint a guardian ad litem. Parents facing custody disputes arising from a bigamy case should present a well-organized factual record. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What property rights exist after a bigamous marriage?
In a void bigamous marriage, neither party acquires marital property rights as a matter of law. Maryland’s equitable distribution statute applies only to valid marriages. However, the parties may have acquired joint assets or intermingled finances during the relationship. The court can address these issues through principles of equity, partition, or contract, rather than through the usual marital property framework. An attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can review the financial history and determine the appropriate legal theory. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If I am accused of bigamy in a family law matter, what should I do?
If you are accused of bigamy in a divorce, annulment, or custody case, seek legal advice promptly because the accusation can affect property division, spousal support, and parenting time. The court will need evidence of the prior marriage—typically the prior marriage certificate and proof that it was never dissolved. A thorough investigation of your marital history is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate such cases carefully, ensuring that any valid defense, such as a valid divorce obtained in another jurisdiction, is presented. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Related family law pages: Montgomery County Family Law | Prince George’s County Family Law | Howard County Family Law | Anne Arundel County Family Law
Maryland primary sources: Maryland Family Law Article § 2‑202 (void marriages) | Wicomico County Circuit Court | Maryland Judiciary
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.
The statutes referred to above apply across Maryland; see bigamy for the full discussion.