Bigamy lawyer Mercer County, NJ

Last reviewed: July 2026

Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—is a criminal offense in New Jersey and can also profoundly affect divorce, annulment, child custody, and property division matters. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. For individuals in Mercer County, Handling the legal consequences of bigamy requires counsel familiar with both the family courts and the broader statutory framework. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Mercer County family law proceedings involving allegations of bigamy, guiding them through annulment petitions, contested divorce actions, and related issues. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to cases where a second marriage raises questions of validity, support, and parental rights. For a consultation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

What Bigamy Means for Family Law in Mercer County, New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, a marriage entered into while one party already has a living spouse is void from the outset. The proper civil remedy is an annulment, which declares that the marriage never legally existed. In some cases, a party may also seek a divorce if they prefer to resolve the matter through the divorce process rather than annulment. The Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division – Family Part in Mercer County, located at 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, hears these matters. The court is part of the 7th Vicinage and handles all divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence cases.

Because a bigamous marriage is void, the classification and division of property can differ from a typical divorce. Assets acquired during the void marriage are generally not considered marital property under New Jersey’s equitable distribution statute. However, the court may still divide property under other equitable principles, such as unjust enrichment or constructive trust, if the parties commingled assets or acquired property jointly. Child custody and support, however, are determined under the “best interests of the child” standard, regardless of the marriage’s validity. The court will issue custody and parenting-time orders to protect the children of the relationship.

The Mercer Vicinage court operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Counsel appearing on family law matters should plan filings accordingly. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel understand the procedural expectations of the Family Part and assist clients in moving their cases forward efficiently while protecting their legal rights.

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

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches each bigamy-related family law matter by first clarifying the facts. If a client seeks an annulment, the firm investigates the existence and validity of the prior marriage, gathers documentary evidence, and files the appropriate petition with the Family Part. If a divorce is preferred, the firm prepares a complaint that addresses the grounds for divorce and the implications of the bigamous marriage on issues like alimony and property division.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel negotiate settlements whenever possible, focusing on a fair resolution of property and support issues and on parenting plans that serve the child’s best interests. If trial is necessary, the firm presents evidence to show how the bigamous marriage should affect the distribution of assets or the determination of support obligations. The firm also addresses related matters such as name changes, orders of protection, and enforcement of prior court orders. Every case is handled with attention to the specific factual circumstances and the client’s objectives.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on family law and related matters.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters. Results may vary. The firm has handled matters across multiple practice areas since 1997, and its attorneys work collaboratively to develop strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances. For guidance on bigamy-related issues in Mercer County, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bigamy is the act of marrying someone while already being legally married to another living person, and in New Jersey such a marriage is void from the moment it is entered into. Because the marriage is void, either party may seek an annulment—a court order declaring that no valid marriage ever existed. Even though the marriage is void, the family court retains authority to decide child custody, parenting time, and child support for any children born during the relationship. The court may also divide property acquired by the parties under equitable principles. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

How does an annulment differ from a divorce in bigamy cases?

An annulment declares that the marriage never legally existed because one party was already married, whereas a divorce ends a valid marriage that was initially lawful. In New Jersey, an annulment based on bigamy can simplify property issues because assets obtained during the void marriage are not automatically classified as marital property. However, the court may still resolve property disputes through other legal remedies. Child custody and support determinations are made using the same best‑interests standard as in a divorce. Whether you seek an annulment or a divorce depends on your specific circumstances, and an experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate the trusted course.

How does bigamy affect child custody arrangements in Mercer County?

New Jersey courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, without regard to whether the parents’ marriage was valid or void. The Family Part will issue custody and parenting‑time orders to ensure the child’s welfare is protected. Bigamy itself is not a direct factor in custody decisions, but the judge may consider any conduct that impacts the child’s safety or well‑being. If you need to establish custody while pursuing an annulment or divorce, an attorney can help you present evidence about your caregiving role and the child’s needs. To discuss your matter, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.

Can a bigamous marriage affect the division of property in New Jersey?

Yes, because a bigamous marriage is void, assets acquired during the relationship are typically not considered marital property under New Jersey’s equitable distribution laws. Instead, property acquired by each party may remain separate, but if the parties commingled assets or acquired property jointly, a court may divide that property using theories such as unjust enrichment or partition. The firm can advise you on how to protect your separate property and on the financial claims you may be able to pursue. For guidance tailored to your circumstances, call (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer to handle a bigamy annulment in Mercer County?

While you are not required to have a lawyer, family law proceedings involving bigamy can be complex because they often require proving the existence of a prior marriage, addressing jurisdictional questions, and resolving custody or property disputes. An experienced family law attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, file the correct pleadings in the Family Part, and negotiate a resolution that protects your interests. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule one.

What should I do if I discover my spouse was already married when they married me?

If you learn your spouse was already married at the time of your ceremony, you should consult a family law attorney promptly to explore your options for annulment or divorce and to safeguard your financial rights. Acting quickly can help prevent the dissipation of assets or complications with child custody. The firm assists clients in gathering evidence of the prior marriage, filing petitions in the Superior Court, and seeking any emergency relief that may be necessary. To speak with an attorney, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

This Mercer County page supplements our statewide discussion of bigamy in New Jersey.