Bigamy lawyer Atlantic County, NJ
If you are searching for a bigamy lawyer in Atlantic County, New Jersey, it is essential to understand that bigamy is a criminal offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its family law practice on the civil consequences of a bigamous marriage—specifically, seeking an annulment to declare the invalid marriage void, untangling property acquired during the relationship, and addressing any related spousal-support or custody issues that may arise. The firm’s experienced multi-state attorneys help clients Handling these sensitive family law proceedings in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division—Family Part (Atlantic County) at 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Whether you recently discovered that your spouse was still legally married to someone else or you are the spouse being presented with an annulment complaint, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team can assist. To request 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 Atlantic County Family Law
In family law, bigamy occurs when an individual enters into a marriage while still legally married to another living person. Under New Jersey law, such a marriage is void from its inception—it is as if the marriage never legally existed. The civil remedy that the family courts provide is an annulment, which formally adjudicates the marriage void and allows the parties to resolve any financial or custodial matters connected to the invalid relationship. Unlike a divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares that no valid marriage ever took place and addresses issues such as the division of property acquired during the period the parties lived together, spousal support, and the custody of any children born from the relationship.
Atlantic County family law proceedings are heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division—Family Part, located at 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. The court handles all annulment petitions, along with the ancillary issues that may accompany them. Because a bigamous marriage is void, the procedural path differs from a standard divorce. There is no requirement to prove grounds for divorce; instead, the party seeking the annulment must demonstrate that the other spouse had a living lawful spouse at the time of the marriage. Once that fact is established, the court can enter a judgment of nullity and make equitable determinations regarding property, support, and parenting time. Experienced multi-state legal counsel can help gather the necessary documentation—such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees from the prior marriage, and other public records—and present them effectively before the Family Part.
An annulment based on bigamy also has implications for property division. Although New Jersey is an equitable distribution state for divorce, the rules for dividing assets accumulated during a void marriage can be more nuanced. The court may consider the contributions of each party and make an equitable award, but the legal framework is not identical to that of a divorce. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel understand how to advocate for a client’s financial interests in these circumstances, whether the goal is to retain separate property or to secure a fair share of jointly acquired assets. Because the Family Part in Atlantic County applies a fact-intensive standard, having representation that is familiar with the local rules and judicial expectations is important.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Assist with Bigamy-Related Family Matters
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a bigamy-related family law issue in Atlantic County, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel begin with a thorough consultation to understand the client’s objectives. In an annulment case, the primary step is to confirm the existence of the pre-existing marriage. The legal team gathers and verifies the necessary records, which can include marriage certificates from both the current and prior unions, death certificates if the prior spouse is deceased, and any divorce decrees that show whether the prior marriage was terminated before the subsequent marriage occurred. Once the evidence is assembled, the firm drafts a complaint for annulment and files it with the Atlantic County Superior Court, Chancery Division—Family Part.
After filing, the complaint must be served on the other spouse. If the other spouse acknowledges the bigamy and does not contest the annulment, the matter may proceed on an uncontested basis, often with reduced time and expense. If the other spouse contests the annulment—for example, by arguing that the prior marriage was dissolved before the second ceremony—the case moves into litigation, and the court will hold hearings to determine whether a valid prior marriage existed. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel prepare clients for each stage, including court appearances at the Bacharach Boulevard courthouse. Throughout the process, the firm also addresses any pendente lite requests for temporary support, custody arrangements, or exclusive possession of a residence, so that a client’s immediate needs are protected while the annulment is pending.
The firm’s approach is to handle the case with attention to both the procedural and personal dimensions. Bigamy cases can involve emotional distress and complicated family histories. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel strive to maintain clear communication with clients, explain each step in plain terms, and work toward a resolution that resolves the void marriage and, where appropriate, achieves a fair distribution of assets or appropriate custody arrangements. Because every family situation is unique, the firm tailors its strategy based on the specific facts.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into court procedures and the burdens of proof that can be advantageous in contested family law matters. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He 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 team consists of experienced multi-state attorneys who collaborate on family law cases throughout New Jersey. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel provide thorough representation for clients in Atlantic County and across the state. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bigamy and Family Law in Atlantic County
What is bigamy, and how does it affect a marriage in New Jersey?
A bigamous marriage is one entered into while one party still has a living lawful spouse, making the marriage void from the beginning under New Jersey law. Because the marriage is void, it is as though it never legally existed. The family court can grant an annulment to formally confirm this. While bigamy is a criminal act, a family law attorney focuses on the civil side: seeking an annulment and resolving property, support, and custody issues that may have arisen during the relationship. Atlantic County cases are heard in the Superior Court, Chancery Division—Family Part.
How do I get an annulment for a bigamous marriage in Atlantic County?
To obtain an annulment for bigamy, you must file a complaint in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division—Family Part in Atlantic County and present evidence that your spouse had an existing valid marriage at the time of your ceremony. Evidence can include a prior marriage certificate, testimony, or other official records. Once the court is satisfied that the prior marriage was undissolved, it will enter a judgment of nullity. The court may also address equitable distribution of any property acquired during the void marriage. An experienced family law attorney can guide you through the filing, service, and hearing processes.
Is bigamy a crime in New Jersey, and does that affect my family law case?
Yes, bigamy is a criminal offense in New Jersey, but the family law case proceeds independently. A bigamy charge is prosecuted in the criminal courts, while the annulment is handled in the Family Part. The civil case does not depend on a criminal conviction, although a conviction may serve as evidence of the prior marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates on the family law aspects—annulment and related civil remedies—not criminal defense. If you face criminal charges, you should consult a criminal defense attorney.
What happens to property and children in a bigamy annulment in Atlantic County?
When an annulment is granted because of bigamy, the court can still divide property and decide custody and support matters, though the rules differ from a standard divorce. New Jersey courts have the authority to make an equitable distribution of assets acquired during the period the parties lived together, even though no valid marriage existed. Child custody and support are determined based on the best interests of the child, under the same statutory factors that apply in divorce cases. The Family Part in Atlantic County will consider all relevant evidence to reach a fair outcome.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Atlantic County, New Jersey?
While you are not required by law to hire an attorney, having an experienced family law lawyer is strongly recommended when seeking an annulment for bigamy. Proving the existence of a prior marriage may require obtaining out-of-state or foreign records, and the procedural rules in the Family Part must be followed precisely. Additionally, issues like property division and custody can become contested. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel are experienced multi-state attorneys who handle annulments and related family law matters in Atlantic County. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For guidance on similar family law matters in surrounding New Jersey counties, you may also review our pages on Hunterdon County Family Law, Somerset County Family Law, Morris County Family Law, and Monmouth County Family Law.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Additional background for New Jersey generally is available on bigamy.