Bigamy lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
When a marriage is challenged because one spouse was already legally married to another person, the consequences can reach every aspect of family life—from property division to child custody. Bigamy is not just a criminal charge; it invalidates the second marriage and creates complex civil issues that require careful navigation in the family courts. For individuals in Prince George’s County, Maryland, facing the ripple effects of a bigamous marriage, seeking experienced legal counsel is essential. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides family law representation in matters involving void marriages, annulments, and related disputes. With a Maryland location in Rockville serving clients across the county, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team guide clients through the annulment process and any associated custody or property disputes. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
What Bigamy Means in Prince George’s County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, bigamy occurs when a person enters into a marriage while already legally married to someone else. The subsequent marriage is void from its inception—it has no legal effect and does not require a formal divorce to end. Section 2-202 of the Maryland Family Law Article lists bigamous marriages among those that are considered void. While the marriage itself is a nullity, the practical consequences often require court intervention. Property acquired during the union, financial obligations, and the well‑being of children born during the bigamous relationship all demand resolution.
In Prince George’s County, family‑law matters related to bigamy are handled in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. The Family Division of the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over annulment actions and any ancillary issues of property division, custody, and support. Because a void marriage can raise questions about a person’s marital status and its effect on existing valid marriages, acting promptly to clarify the legal situation is crucial. The firm’s familiarity with the local court’s procedures and the judges’ expectations helps clients present their cases effectively.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Matters
When a client comes to us with a bigamy‑related issue, the first step is to understand the specific facts: whether a prior marriage remains valid, whether the client was an innocent party, and what practical problems have arisen—such as property claims, spousal support, or child custody. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the chain of marriages, obtain the necessary documentation, and advise on the most efficient court procedure. Often an annulment petition is filed to obtain a judicial declaration that the marriage is void, which provides a clear court order to rely on in subsequent proceedings.
The process continues with a thorough assessment of marital and separate property. In Maryland, property acquired during a void marriage is not treated as marital property under the equitable‑distribution statute, but the court may still need to divide assets and debts between the parties using equitable principles. Custody and child support matters are resolved under the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child standard, regardless of the parents’ marital status. Throughout the case, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to achieve a practical resolution while protecting the client’s legal rights, using mediation when appropriate and litigation when necessary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a thorough understanding of courtroom dynamics and the way opposing parties build their cases. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and has built a multi‑state family‑law practice that assists clients with complex domestic relations matters, including those involving void or voidable marriages.
Supporting Mr. Sris is a team of experienced Of Counsel attorneys, some of whom are former prosecutors themselves. Their collective knowledge spans criminal law, family law, and civil litigation, giving the firm a comprehensive perspective on bigamy cases—which can involve both family‑court and criminal‑court dimensions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy under Maryland law?
Bigamy is the act of knowingly marrying a second person while still legally married to a first spouse, and the second marriage is void under Maryland law. Maryland Code, Family Law Article § 2-202, lists bigamous marriages as void. Unlike a valid marriage that requires divorce to dissolve, a void marriage has no legal effect from the start. However, practical issues—such as how to divide assets acquired during the union or how to handle custody of children—must be addressed through the court system. Filing an annulment petition in the Circuit Court is the standard method to obtain a formal judicial declaration that the marriage is void. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation.
Is bigamy a crime in Maryland?
Yes, bigamy is a criminal offense in Maryland, but the family‑law implications of a void marriage are separate and often more immediate for the parties involved. The criminal statute penalizes entering a marriage while still lawfully married to another. However, the family‑court resolution focuses on the civil consequences: declaring the marriage void, determining parental rights and responsibilities, and dividing property. Because the two spheres interact, having counsel who understands both the criminal and family‑law dimensions can be advantageous. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise on how any criminal investigation might affect the family‑court case.
Can I annul a bigamous marriage in Prince George’s County?
Yes, you can file for an annulment in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County to obtain a court order declaring the marriage void. An annulment petition establishes a clear legal record that the marriage was never valid, which can be critical for protecting assets and clarifying your marital status. The court will examine evidence of the prior undissolved marriage. Once the annulment is granted, the court can also address related matters such as property division, child custody, and support. To initiate the process, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
How does bigamy affect property division in Maryland?
Property acquired during a bigamous marriage is not classified as marital property under Maryland’s equitable‑distribution statute, but the court can still order a fair division using equitable principles. Because the marriage is void, the normal marital‑property rules do not apply. The court will look at who contributed what, any written agreements between the parties, and the needs of any children. Where assets are titled in both names, the court may order a sale and division of the proceeds. An experienced attorney can help you present your contributions and argue for a just outcome. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how we can assist.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Prince George’s County?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, representing yourself in a bigamy annulment can be risky because of the complex legal issues that often accompany a void marriage. An attorney can help you correctly identify all necessary parties, file the proper pleadings, and address intertwined custody, property, and support matters. The procedural rules of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County are governed by the Maryland Rules, and missing a deadline or failing to properly serve a party can delay resolution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience guiding clients through family‑law proceedings. To discuss the details of your matter, call (888) 437-7747.
What happens to child custody when a marriage is bigamous in Maryland?
Child custody in Maryland is determined by the trusted‑interests‑of‑the‑child standard, regardless of whether the parents’ marriage was valid or void. The court will look at factors such as each parent’s fitness, the existing relationship between parent and child, the child’s adjustment to home and community, and any history of domestic abuse. The fact that the marriage was void does not strip either parent of the right to seek custody or visitation. Mediation is often required by the court to help parents reach an agreement. For guidance on your specific custody concern, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Our firm also provides family law representation in neighboring Maryland counties: Montgomery County family law attorney, Howard County family law lawyer, Anne Arundel County family law representation, and Frederick County family law counsel.
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