Bigamy lawyer Alexandria, VA
If you are facing accusations of bigamy in Alexandria, Virginia, or need clarity on your legal rights after discovering that a spouse was already married, the situation is serious and demands experienced legal guidance. Bigamy—marrying someone while still lawfully married to another person—is a felony under Virginia law and carries severe criminal penalties. At the same time, a bigamous marriage is void from the outset, creating a range of family law complications involving annulment, property division, child custody, and support. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on both the criminal defense and civil family law dimensions of bigamy matters for clients in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of trial experience, and his Of Counsel team bring a practical understanding of how prosecutors build bigamy cases and how family courts resolve the consequences of a void marriage. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Alexandria, Virginia
Bigamy is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-362 and is classified as a felony offense. The Commonwealth must prove that a person, while already validly married, entered into another marriage ceremony with a second spouse, knowing that the first marriage was still in effect. Alexandria law enforcement agencies and the Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office investigate and prosecute bigamy cases that arise within the city. The Alexandria Circuit Court, located at 520 King Street, handles felony bigamy prosecutions and also has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce and annulment proceedings. For family law matters involving a bigamous spouse, including child custody, visitation, and support, the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may also hear certain petitions.
Because Virginia does not recognize a bigamous marriage as valid, any such union is void ab initio—treated as if it never legally existed. This legal nullity affects property division, spousal support claims, inheritance rights, and even the legitimacy of children born during the relationship. In many cases, an annulment is the correct civil remedy rather than a divorce, but the specific facts of each case determine the appropriate legal path. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel understand how Alexandria courts address these overlapping criminal and family law issues and work to protect your rights at every stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy Cases
When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Undertakes a bigamy matter, the approach begins with a thorough review of the evidence and the procedural posture of both any criminal charge and any pending family law actions. In the criminal context, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the validity of the prior marriage, the defendant’s knowledge or lack thereof, and whether any defense—such as a reasonable belief that the first marriage had ended—applies. The team investigates the chain of events, challenges the sufficiency of the Commonwealth’s proof, and engages with prosecutors early to explore resolution options that may minimize the consequences of a felony conviction.
On the family law side, the focus shifts to securing clear orders from the court that resolve the status of the void union. This often involves filing a complaint for annulment or, where appropriate, for divorce, and addressing the collateral effects on property acquired during the relationship, child custody arrangements, and support obligations. Because a bigamous marriage is void, the court’s analysis of equitable distribution and spousal support differs markedly from a typical divorce proceeding. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients Handling these complexities, always mindful of how actions in one court may affect proceedings in another. Throughout the process, the team maintains a practical, client-centered focus, working toward favorable outcomes while ensuring clients understand each step.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and has built a reputation for handling complex, multi‑jurisdictional legal matters. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how the government builds criminal cases and uses that insight to formulate defense strategies. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), reflecting his deep engagement with Virginia’s evolving family law statutes.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and family law litigation—a breadth of experience that strengthens the firm’s ability to handle the intersecting criminal and civil dimensions of bigamy cases. Collectively, the team is committed to providing careful, strategic advocacy for clients in Alexandria and across Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes, bigamy is a felony under Virginia Code § 18.2-362. A conviction can result in imprisonment, a substantial fine, and a permanent criminal record. Virginia courts treat bigamy seriously because it implicates marriage fraud and public policy. The Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases actively. If you are under investigation or have been charged, it is important to seek legal guidance promptly. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the strength of the evidence, identify any factual or legal defenses, and work to protect your freedom and reputation. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How can I annul a bigamous marriage in Alexandria?
Because a bigamous marriage is void from the start, you may file for an annulment in the Alexandria Circuit Court. Unlike a divorce, an annulment declares that the marriage never legally existed. The petitioner must demonstrate that the marriage was invalid due to the other spouse’s prior existing marriage. The court will consider evidence such as a certified marriage certificate from the prior union and testimony about the spouse’s knowledge. Once granted, the annulment clears the record, but it may still affect property division, child custody, and support. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assist in preparing the complaint and presenting the necessary proof to the court.
Does a bigamy charge affect child custody in Virginia?
Yes, a bigamy charge or conviction can influence child custody determinations under Virginia’s best‑interests factors. Virginia Code § 20‑124.3 requires the court to consider each parent’s fitness and moral character. A bigamy charge, especially one involving deception or fraud, may be weighed against the accused parent. However, the court’s primary focus remains the child’s wellbeing, and a single charge does not automatically strip a parent of custody rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect your parental relationship, whether defending against criminal allegations or managing a family law proceeding in the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Can I be deported for a bigamy conviction in Virginia?
A bigamy conviction can trigger immigration consequences because it may be considered a crime involving moral turpitude. Under federal immigration law, a single conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude committed within five years of admission, or for which a sentence of one year or more may be imposed, can render a noncitizen inadmissible or removable. Each case is fact‑specific, and the immigration consequences depend on the classification of the offense and the individual’s immigration history. If you are not a U.S. Citizen and are facing a bigamy charge, it is critical to consult with an attorney who understands both the criminal and immigration dimensions of your situation.
What should I do if I discover my spouse was already married?
If you learn that your spouse was already married when you wed, you should seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights. Your marriage is likely void, and any assets acquired during the relationship may be treated differently than in a typical divorce. You may need to take swift action to secure evidence, protect your separate property, and clarify child custody or support arrangements. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can help you evaluate whether to file for an annulment, a divorce, or a protective order, and can advise you on how to Handling the Alexandria court system. For guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For additional information on related family law topics, visit our pages on Fairfax County family law, Fairfax City family law, and Falls Church family law.
Outbound authority: Virginia Code Title 18.2 ? Alexandria Circuit Court
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.
Beyond Alexandria, these charges are addressed on our statewide page about bigamy in Virginia.