Bigamy lawyer Falls Church, VA
If you are confronting the discovery that a marriage you relied on may be void because one spouse was already married to another person, the family law implications can be profound. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in family law matters arising from bigamy — not criminal defense — and helps individuals in Falls Church and throughout Northern Virginia pursue annulments, resolve property division, and address custody or support issues that flow from a void marriage. Our firm has served Virginia since 1997 and concentrates on helping people untangle the legal consequences of bigamy so they can move forward. For guidance specific to your situation in Falls Church, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Falls Church Family Law
In Virginia, bigamy — marrying someone while a prior marriage is still legally in effect — renders the subsequent marriage void from the beginning. Even if a ceremonial marriage took place and the parties lived together, a bigamous union is treated as though it never existed under Virginia law. For residents of Falls Church, an independent city within the Seventeenth Judicial District, this gives rise to a cluster of family law questions that are handled primarily through the Falls Church Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over annulments, equitable distribution, and spousal support, as well as the Falls Church Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which addresses custody, visitation, and child support in the context of a void marriage.
Falls Church is a small but densely settled city located just west of Arlington and served by Route 7, I-66, and the East and West Falls Church Metro stations. Our Fairfax Location at 4008 Williamsburg Court in Fairfax is minutes from the Falls Church courthouse at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W. When a bigamous marriage is uncovered — whether during an attempt to divorce, after a spouse’s death, or in a custody dispute — the family law courts in Falls Church must determine the rights of the parties. Because the marriage is void, traditional divorce grounds under Va. Code § 20-91 do not apply; instead, an annulment petition confirms the marriage was never valid. The court then resolves related issues such as how to divide property the parties accumulated during the void union and how to provide for any children born of that relationship.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Cases
When a client comes to us with a bigamy concern in Falls Church, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel first examine the timeline of the prior and subsequent marriages to confirm whether an annulment is the appropriate procedural vehicle. We then prepare and file an annulment complaint with the Falls Church Circuit Court, identifying the prior subsisting marriage and the date of the invalid ceremony. If there are children, we simultaneously address custody and child support in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Our approach focuses on methodically unwinding the legal and practical consequences of the void marriage — often including notices to creditors, steps to correct real estate titles, and resolving claims for financial support during the period the parties lived together.
Annulment litigation in Falls Church follows the same procedural rules as any family law matter, but the substantive issues are distinct because the marriage never existed. This means there is no equitable distribution of “marital property” in the usual sense; instead, the court implements principles of restitution and unjust enrichment to return each party to a position as close as possible to what it would have been absent the void marriage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to ensure that any accumulated assets are fairly addressed and that parenting plans serve the best interests of the children. Throughout the process, we maintain a focus on practical resolutions, while helping clients understand that the timeline varies by court calendar and case complexity. For a consultation about a bigamy matter in Falls Church, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law in Virginia since 1997. He is assisted by an experienced group of Of Counsel attorneys who bring thorough knowledge of Virginia courts including the Falls Church Circuit Court and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, supported by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy in Virginia?
Bigamy is the act of marrying a second person while a prior marriage to another person remains legally valid and undissolved. In Virginia, it is declared void by statute, meaning the marriage has no legal effect from the moment it was contracted. The existence of a prior undissolved marriage makes the subsequent marriage void ab initio, even if the parties believed in good faith that the prior marriage had ended. The legal consequences touch support, property, inheritance, and parental rights, all of which must be resolved through family court. For specific guidance in Falls Church, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does bigamy affect a marriage in Falls Church?
A marriage involving bigamy in Falls Church is treated as void — as though it never took place. The Falls Church Circuit Court has jurisdiction to enter an annulment decree confirming the invalid status. Once annulled, the parties are returned to their legal positions before the ceremony, but the court must still address practical matters like property accumulated during the void union and any children born to the relationship. Because the marriage is void, equitable distribution statutes do not directly apply; instead, the court uses equitable principles to restore the parties. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your options.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse was already married?
Yes, you may petition the Falls Church Circuit Court for an annulment when you prove that your spouse was already legally married to another person at the time of your ceremony. The annulment petition must include the facts about the prior marriage and show that it was never dissolved. Once the annulment is granted, the marriage is declared void as of its inception. Our firm assists clients in gathering necessary documentation and presenting a clear case. For a consultation, call Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What happens to property and children when a marriage is void for bigamy?
Property the parties accumulated during a void marriage is not divided under the usual equitable distribution framework, but the Falls Church Circuit Court may apply restitution and unjust enrichment principles to achieve a fair outcome. For children, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court determines custody, visitation, and child support using the same best-interest factors that apply in any family law matter under Va. Code § 20-124.3. The court’s priority is the welfare of the child, and the void nature of the marriage does not prejudice the child’s rights. For assistance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Falls Church?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, an experienced family law attorney can help Handling the procedural steps and protect your rights in a bigamy annulment. Annulment cases involve specific pleading requirements, service of process on the prior spouse, and potential contests over property and custody. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle these matters in Falls Church and offer consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
How do I start the annulment process in Falls Church?
The annulment process begins by filing a complaint in the Falls Church Circuit Court at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, stating the grounds for annulment — here, bigamy — and including supporting evidence. After filing, the other party must be served with the complaint, and the court will schedule a hearing. Our firm can guide you through each step, from gathering proof of the prior marriage to presenting your case. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional family law resources in nearby localities include our Fairfax County family law page, Fairfax City family law representation, Prince William County family law attorneys, and Manassas family law services.
Official Virginia legal information: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) · Falls Church General District & Circuit Courts · Virginia’s Judicial System
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