Bigamy lawyer Bergen County, NJ
Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—can have serious consequences under New Jersey law, both criminally and within family law proceedings. When a spouse commits bigamy, it can affect divorce, annulment, property division, spousal support, and child custody. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on family law matters, including those involving bigamy allegations, serving clients throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team work to protect clients’ rights in complex family law disputes, offering experienced multi-state representation. For a consultation, reach our New Jersey location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means for Bergen County Family Law
In Bergen County, family law courts address bigamy primarily through annulment and divorce proceedings. A marriage that is bigamous is void ab initio—meaning it is treated as if it never existed. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, has the authority to grant annulments based on bigamy. An annulment can restore the parties to their pre-marital status, which may affect property division and support obligations that would otherwise arise in a divorce.
When a spouse discovers that their partner is already married, they may also seek a divorce on fault grounds. While New Jersey allows for no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences, a bigamous act may also provide a basis for a fault ground such as adultery. The court follows equitable distribution principles, and marital fault—including bigamy—can be a factor the judge considers when dividing assets and deciding alimony. Additionally, if children are involved, bigamy may raise concerns about parental fitness and the stability of the home environment, which the court evaluates under the trusted-interests factors. Our firm works with clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, and across Bergen County to address these sensitive issues.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Cases
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel approach bigamy-related family law matters with thorough case evaluation and attention to the unique details each situation presents. After an initial consultation, the legal team investigates the facts—including marriage records, court documents, and any related criminal proceedings—to build a comprehensive understanding of your circumstances. They then advise clients on the most appropriate course of action, whether that involves seeking an annulment, filing for divorce, or defending against allegations.
In court, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel advocate for favorable outcomes by presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and making legal arguments grounded in New Jersey family law statutes. The firm appears in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part in Bergen County, and its attorneys are familiar with local procedures, such as mandatory Case Information Statements and the Early Settlement Panel process. Throughout the litigation, they work to protect clients’ interests in property rights, support, and custody while Handling that bigamy creates. Because bigamy can also have criminal implications, the team’s experience allows them to address overlapping issues with a coordinated approach.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, is led by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who brings extensive knowledge of court procedure to his family law practice. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris has a multi-state practice that benefits clients with cross-jurisdictional family law issues.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys, each bringing extensive combined legal experience to the firm’s family law matters. All Of Counsel are attorneys who serve the firm as Of Counsel. Their collective background strengthens the ability to handle complex bigamy-related cases, where overlapping criminal and family law issues demand careful strategy. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy and how does it affect divorce in New Jersey?
A bigamous marriage is void under New Jersey law, meaning it has no legal effect. When a person enters into a marriage while already married, the second marriage is invalid from the start. For divorce purposes, a spouse may file for divorce on fault grounds such as adultery, or seek an annulment to declare the marriage void. Bigamy can also influence equitable distribution and spousal support, as courts may consider the misconduct when dividing property and determining alimony. An experienced family law attorney can explain the options and guide you through the process in Bergen County Superior Court.
Can a bigamous marriage be annulled in Bergen County?
Yes, a bigamous marriage can be annulled because it is void ab initio. An annulment proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part can declare the marriage null and void. This differs from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. An annulment may be appropriate when one party was already married at the time of the ceremony. After annulment, issues of property division, support, and custody still need to be resolved, and the court may apply equitable principles. Our firm assists clients in pursuing annulments in Bergen County and throughout New Jersey.
How does bigamy impact child custody in New Jersey?
Bigamy can be a factor in child custody determinations, but the court’s primary focus is the best interests of the child. New Jersey uses the 14-factor best-interests test to decide custody. A parent’s bigamous conduct may be considered under factors related to parental fitness, stability, and the home environment, especially if the second marriage affects the child’s well-being. However, bigamy alone does not automatically result in loss of custody. The court examines the entire family situation. An experienced family law attorney can present evidence to protect your parental rights.
Do I need a lawyer if I learn my spouse committed bigamy?
Engaging a family law attorney is advisable when bigamy is discovered, because it can affect your marital status and legal rights. You may need to file for annulment or divorce, address property division, or modify custody arrangements. A lawyer can review the facts, advise on the validity of the marriage, and take appropriate legal action. In Bergen County, the Superior Court’s Family Part handles these matters, and having experienced representation can help you Handling the procedural requirements and protect your interests.
What are the potential criminal consequences of bigamy in New Jersey?
Bigamy is a crime in New Jersey, classified as a fourth-degree offense. A conviction can result in up to 18 months in prison and fines. Criminal proceedings are separate from family law matters, but they can influence divorce and custody cases. If you face criminal charges, you may need both criminal defense and family law counsel. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel understand both the criminal and family law implications of bigamy and can coordinate a comprehensive legal strategy.
How does property division work when a spouse is a bigamist?
In New Jersey, equitable distribution governs property division, and bigamy may affect the court’s analysis. A court may consider marital fault, including bigamy, when deciding how to divide assets and debts. If the bigamous marriage is annulled, the court may treat the relationship as a putative marriage, potentially allowing for division of property acquired during the relationship similar to a divorce. The outcome depends on the specific facts, including whether the innocent spouse relied on the validity of the marriage. An attorney can help you understand your legal options.
For legal assistance in nearby counties, see also: Family Law Lawyer in Hunterdon County | Family Law Lawyer in Somerset County | Family Law Lawyer in Morris County | Family Law Lawyer in Monmouth County | Family Law Lawyer in Sussex County
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