Bigamy lawyer Burlington County, NJ

Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—creates complex legal issues that affect the validity of a subsequent union, property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. If you have discovered that your spouse was already married at the time of your wedding, or if you are facing questions about the status of a marriage due to a prior undissolved union, the family law implications require careful attention. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients throughout Burlington County in addressing the family law consequences of bigamous marriages, including annulment, property rights, and related matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive experience in New Jersey family law and appear regularly in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part (Burlington County). To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Bigamy Means for Your Family Law Matter in Burlington County

Under New Jersey law, a bigamous marriage is void from its inception—it is treated as if it never legally existed. This has significant consequences for anyone attempting to seek divorce, divide property, or enforce spousal support obligations from that marriage. Because the marriage is void, the usual rules of equitable distribution and alimony do not apply in the same manner as they would in a valid marriage. However, New Jersey courts may still address the economic inequities that arise when a party has been deceived into a bigamous union.

In Burlington County, the Family Part of the Superior Court handles all matters concerning the validity of marriage, annulment, and any related requests for relief. The court at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, has jurisdiction over family law disputes for the county’s communities—including Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are familiar with the local court procedures and the approach of the Family Part to void-marriage claims, including those grounded in bigamy. While each case is unique, clients benefit from representation that understands how to frame the relief sought—whether that is a declaration of annulment, a partition of accumulated assets, or a request for restitution on behalf of a party who contributed to the couple’s finances under a mistaken belief in the marriage’s validity.

New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, meaning that dividing assets in a divorce involves a fair—not necessarily equal—allocation of marital property. In a void-marriage scenario, the statutory framework may not directly apply, but courts may use equitable principles and unjust-enrichment doctrines to address the contributions of an innocent spouse. An attorney experienced in both divorce and annulment can evaluate whether you may be entitled to compensation for money or labor contributed during the relationship, particularly where a knowing party concealed an existing marriage. The alimony reform of 2014, which limits durational alimony to the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years, is part of the broader New Jersey family law context that the firm applies when advocating for clients in these unusual situations.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team approach each bigamy-related matter with a focus on protecting the legal and financial interests of the party who may have been unaware of the prior marriage. The first step is a thorough evaluation of the facts: the date of the prior marriage, whether it was dissolved before the second ceremony, the status of any divorce proceedings in another jurisdiction, and the extent of commingled assets and debts. Even when a marriage turns out to be void, property acquired together, joint accounts, and support obligations for children of the relationship remain live issues that require resolution. The firm works to achieve favorable outcomes by Handling both the annulment proceedings and any ancillary requests for equitable relief.

The firm’s representation often includes gathering evidence of the prior marriage, such as foreign marriage records or divorce decrees, and presenting the void-marriage claim to the court. Because bigamy can involve international dimensions—for instance, where a spouse retained an existing marriage in another country—the firm’s experience with cross-border family law matters provides an added layer of practical guidance. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel coordinate with foreign-law resources to verify foreign marital status where necessary, while always keeping the Burlington County Family Part’s procedures in view. The court may require a plenary hearing to determine the facts, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are prepared to present evidence clearly and advocate for the client’s best positioning under New Jersey law.

In addition to annulment, the firm addresses the ripple effects of a bigamous marriage on other family law matters, such as custody and parenting time. A finding that a marriage is void does not alter the parent-child relationship, and New Jersey courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child with its 14 statutory factors. The firm regularly guides clients through these overlapping proceedings, helping to separate the emotional and legal strands of a complicated situation. Working toward a practical resolution—whether through negotiation, mediation, or contested hearings—is central to the firm’s approach.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law across multiple states since 1997. He is a former prosecutor, and that background gives him insight into the ways criminal and family law intersect—relevant when bigamy allegations carry potential criminal exposure, even though the firm’s role here is focused on the civil family law aspects. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The Firm’s Of Counsel bring additional depth in family litigation, and together they offer extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm serves Burlington County clients from its New Jersey location, with consultations available by appointment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are admitted in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York, which is particularly helpful when a bigamy matter involves parties or prior marriages in other jurisdictions. Whether you need an annulment, a property division, or guidance on how a void marriage impacts your legal rights, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bigamy, and how does it affect a marriage in New Jersey?

A bigamous marriage is one in which at least one party was already legally married to another person at the time of the ceremony. Under New Jersey law, such a marriage is void ab initio—treated as never having existed—and may be addressed through an annulment in the Family Part of the Superior Court. While the marriage is legally void, issues like property accumulated during the relationship or support for a child of the union still require court intervention, and an experienced family law attorney can guide you through those proceedings.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can I get an annulment instead of a divorce if my spouse was already married?

Yes, an annulment is the proper remedy because a bigamous marriage is void. You would file a complaint for annulment in the Family Part in Burlington County, and the court will issue a judgment declaring the marriage void. However, you should also consider whether you need a divorce from a valid marriage if you later married someone else and that marriage is being challenged. An attorney can help determine the most appropriate filing based on your timeline and circumstances.

To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What property rights do I have if my marriage was bigamous?

Because the marriage is void, equitable distribution may not apply directly. However, New Jersey courts can use equitable principles, such as unjust enrichment or resulting trust, to protect a party who contributed financially to the relationship while unaware of the prior marriage. You may be able to recover a share of assets you helped acquire or seek reimbursement for expenses. The firm evaluates the specific facts to determine what relief is available in your case.

For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Does bigamy affect child custody or parenting time in Burlington County?

No. A child’s parentage is unaffected by the void nature of the marriage. Burlington County courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests using the 14 factors, regardless of whether the parents’ marriage is annulled. The firm handles custody matters arising from bigamous-union families, helping to establish parenting plans and support orders that serve the child’s welfare.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What if my spouse’s prior marriage was in another state or country?

The analysis may involve verifying foreign marriage and divorce records and determining whether the prior marriage was validly dissolved. International marriages raise additional legal questions, such as whether the foreign marriage is recognized under New Jersey’s conflict-of-laws rules. The firm’s multi-state and cross-border experience helps clients Handling these complexities, working with necessary authorities to build a complete record for the Burlington County Family Part.

To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How do I start an annulment case in Burlington County?

You begin by filing a complaint for annulment in the Superior Court, Chancery Division — Family Part, at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. The complaint must state the grounds—that the marriage is void due to bigamy—and include any requests for related relief such as property division or custody. Service of process must be completed on the respondent, and the court may schedule a hearing to take evidence. An attorney can prepare and file all necessary documents and represent you at proceedings.

For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Can a bigamous marriage ever become valid?

Under certain circumstances, if the prior marriage was dissolved after the second ceremony, New Jersey may treat the second marriage as valid from the date the prior marriage ended, under the doctrine of “relation back” or by statute if the parties continued to live together as spouses after the impediment was removed. This is a fact-specific inquiry, and the firm can advise whether such a validation is possible in your case based on the timeline and parties’ intent.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Will my spouse’s bigamy lead to criminal charges?

Bigamy is a crime in New Jersey, but the firm’s practice focuses on the civil family law consequences—annulment, property rights, and custody. If you are concerned about criminal exposure, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney separately. The firm’s role is to address the marriage’s validity and the related family law issues in the Family Part. Results may vary.

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Official New Jersey resources: Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature (statutes) | New Jersey Courts

Last reviewed: July 2026

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.

Beyond Burlington County, these charges are addressed on our statewide page about bigamy in New Jersey.