Bigamy lawyer Kent County, MD
Bigamy—being married to more than one person at the same time—creates a range of family law challenges in Kent County, Maryland. When a marriage is entered into while a prior marriage is still legally in effect, the later marriage is void from the beginning. In Maryland, bigamy is a ground for annulment, and it can also affect property division, spousal support, and child custody determinations if the parties have already built a life together. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its family law practice on helping clients in Kent County address these complex issues. Founded in 1997, the firm brings extensive experience to annulment, divorce, and related matters. To speak with an attorney about your bigamy-related family law concerns, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Kent County, Maryland
Kent County, the smallest county in Maryland and part of the Eastern Shore, is home to historic communities like Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, and Millington. Family law matters that involve bigamy are heard in the Circuit Court for Kent County, located at 103 North Cross Street in Chestertown. Because bigamy renders a marriage void, the legal issues often center on annulment rather than divorce. However, if the parties have minor children or have acquired property during a marriage that is later declared void, the court may still need to address custody, support, and equitable distribution. Maryland’s equitable distribution framework applies only to marital property, so classifying assets acquired during a void marriage can present unique challenges.
Under Maryland law, a marriage that is void due to bigamy is treated as if it never legally existed. This affects certain spousal rights that arise only from a valid marriage. For example, a spouse in a void marriage cannot claim an elective share of an estate or receive statutory spousal benefits. Yet, because the Kent County Circuit Court retains the authority to make orders concerning children and may also address property disputes between the parties, the process often requires careful legal navigation. Parties who believed they were legally married may need help untangling financial ties, resolving custody arrangements, and addressing child support. Our attorneys appear regularly in Kent County Circuit Court and understand the procedural expectations of the Third Judicial District.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Family Law Cases Involving Bigamy
Our approach to bigamy-related family law matters in Kent County begins with a thorough evaluation of the facts. Whether you are seeking an annulment, defending against a claim that a marriage is void, or working out the terms of a separation when a marriage is later challenged as bigamous, we work to identify the legal issues and develop a strategy that protects your interests. The process often involves gathering marriage records, prior divorce decrees, and other evidence to establish whether a prior marriage was properly dissolved. We also examine how property was titled, how support obligations may be calculated, and what custody arrangements best serve the children involved.
Because the firm handles family law across multiple states, we are familiar with interstate marriages and the nuances of recognizing out-of-state divorces. A marriage that is valid in another jurisdiction may still be void in Maryland if one party was not free to marry under Maryland law. Our team helps clients Handling the intersection of Maryland annulment statutes and the full faith and credit principles that apply to judgments from other states. Throughout, we keep clients informed about procedural steps, potential outcomes, and the timeline that a Kent County court may follow. We work toward resolutions that minimize conflict and protect the rights of all parties, especially any children who are part of the family.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has built a multi-state family law practice that includes annulment and divorce cases. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings a thorough understanding of how legal matters are handled in the courtroom. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys who support the firm’s family law work are experienced litigators who concentrate their practice on helping clients through difficult domestic relations disputes. Because the firm has no direct employees, every attorney working on your matter will be a licensed professional focused on your case. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide representation to clients in Kent County and throughout Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy?
Bigamy is the act of marrying someone while still legally married to another person, and under Maryland law a bigamous marriage is void from the start. This means the later marriage does not need a divorce to be dissolved; instead, an annulment can declare it void. Bigamy differs from adultery or other marital misconduct because it goes to the validity of the marriage itself. Even if the parties lived together for years and had children, the law treats the union as if it never existed. This can create complex issues around property division, child support, and custody. Our firm helps clients understand how a bigamous marriage is treated in Kent County courts and what steps to take to resolve the legal status.
Is bigamy a ground for annulment in Maryland?
Yes, bigamy is a ground for annulment under Maryland law because the marriage is void from the beginning. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares that no valid marriage ever took place. The Circuit Court for Kent County has jurisdiction to issue an annulment decree based on proof that one spouse was already married at the time of the ceremony. The procedure involves filing a complaint, presenting evidence of the prior undissolved marriage, and obtaining a court order. Once annulled, the marriage is legally erased, which can affect property rights and spousal support claims. Our attorneys can explain the differences between annulment and divorce and help you determine an appropriate $1 for your situation.
How does bigamy affect property division in Kent County?
Because a bigamous marriage is void, property acquired during the relationship is not automatically marital property subject to equitable distribution. Instead, the court may need to resolve property disputes using contract or equitable principles rather than the usual divorce property rules. For example, if the parties jointly purchased a home, the court might order a partition of the property or determine each party’s contribution. Where children are involved, the court can address support and custody without regard to the validity of the marriage. Our team works to protect your financial interests by presenting evidence of contributions and seeking a fair resolution under applicable Maryland law.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy case in Kent County?
While you are not required to have an attorney, the legal issues surrounding bigamy can be complicated, and having experienced counsel helps protect your rights. Proving a prior marriage was not properly dissolved may require research into out-of-state divorce records, interpretation of foreign marriage laws, and careful evidentiary presentation. Self-representation can lead to missed deadlines or an outcome that does not fully address custody, support, and property. An attorney can guide you through the annulment process, represent you in the Kent County Circuit Court, and help you reach a resolution that works for your family. To discuss your case, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between annulment and divorce when bigamy is involved?
The primary difference is that divorce ends a valid marriage, while an annulment based on bigamy declares that no valid marriage ever existed. This distinction has significant practical consequences. An annulment may make spousal support unavailable because the relationship was never legally recognized as a marriage. Property division also differs; the court does not apply the usual marital property classification used in divorce. However, child custody and child support are determined based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the marriage’s validity. Our lawyers can help you understand which option applies to your situation and what each would mean for your family and finances.
How do I start the annulment process in Kent County?
The process begins by filing a complaint for annulment with the Circuit Court for Kent County, which is located at 103 North Cross Street in Chestertown. The complaint must state the grounds—in this case, bigamy—and include supporting evidence that a prior marriage was still in effect when the later marriage occurred. After filing, the court will issue a summons and hold a hearing to review the evidence. If the court finds the marriage void, it will issue an annulment decree. In cases where there are children or property disputes, additional orders may be necessary. Our firm can prepare the necessary documents, represent you at hearings, and work toward a resolution that addresses all related family law issues. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
For information on family law matters in nearby counties, see our pages for Family Law lawyer Montgomery County, Family Law lawyer Prince George’s County, Family Law lawyer Howard County, Family Law lawyer Anne Arundel County, and Family Law lawyer Frederick County.
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.
For further background applying beyond Kent County, see bigamy in Maryland.