Bigamy lawyer Worcester County, MD

When a spouse discovers that their marriage is void because the other party was already legally married, the family law consequences can be profound. A bigamous marriage is not simply a marital dispute—it is a legal nullity under Maryland law, and it affects property rights, custody of any children, and financial obligations. In Worcester County, these matters are resolved in the Circuit Court for Worcester County. For individuals facing the complex interplay of annulment, property division, and child-related issues flowing from a bigamous union, experienced legal counsel from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can clarify the available remedies. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team assist clients throughout the Maryland Eastern Shore, including Snow Hill, Ocean City, Berlin, and Pocomoke City, with family law matters rooted in bigamy. To discuss how an annulment proceeding may affect your rights, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Bigamy Means for Family Law in Worcester County

Bigamy occurs when a person enters into a marriage while still legally married to another living spouse. Under Maryland law, a bigamous marriage is void ab initio—meaning it is treated as having never existed. Section 2-201 of the Maryland Family Law Article expressly includes bigamy among the marriages that are void. A void marriage does not require a divorce to end it; rather, a party may seek an annulment from the Circuit Court to obtain a judicial declaration of invalidity. In Worcester County, the Circuit Court sits in Snow Hill and exercises jurisdiction over all annulment actions, as well as related matters such as property division and child custody.

Because a bigamous marriage is void, the usual rules of equitable distribution of marital property do not apply. There is no “marital estate” to divide. However, financial contributions made by an innocent spouse during the purported marriage may still be addressed through claims for restitution or contribution. The court may also determine paternity and make child custody and support orders if children were born of the union. India is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Worcester County Circuit Court has the authority to issue temporary relief—such as pendente lite custody or use of a residence—while the annulment is pending. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with how these principles interact in local practice and work to ensure that a party’s interests are protected when a marriage has been declared void.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy-Related Family Law Cases

When a client suspects a spouse may have been previously married, the process begins with gathering marriage records and verifying the status of the prior union. An annulment petition is then prepared and filed in the Worcester County Circuit Court. The petition must set forth the facts establishing that the marriage is void under Maryland law. Service of process must be accomplished on the other party, and if the other spouse cannot be located, alternative methods of service may be necessary. The court schedules a hearing after allowing time for any response. At the hearing, the court will determine whether the marriage is void and, if so, issue the decree of annulment.

In addition to the annulment itself, the court may address ancillary matters including the legal status of any children born during the void marriage, custody and visitation, and an equitable resolution of property claims. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each case with attention to the full range of consequences—from ensuring that a client’s separate property is not subjected to claims, to pursuing an appropriate financial contribution from the other party when warranted. Throughout the proceeding, the firm’s attorneys maintain open communication with the client and strive to resolve the matter efficiently while safeguarding the client’s rights.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings courtroom experience to family law matters that involve complex factual and legal issues, such as those arising from an alleged bigamous marriage. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive collective experience in family law litigation. Collectively, they have handled matters spanning annulments, divorce, child custody, and support proceedings in Maryland and beyond. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across multiple practice areas. Results may vary. For a confidential consultation about a bigamy‑related family law issue, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bigamy under Maryland family law?

Bigamy is the act of marrying a person while still lawfully married to another living spouse. Under Maryland Code, Family Law Article §2‑201, a bigamous marriage is void—meaning it is treated as though it never existed. An annulment proceeding in the Circuit Court for Worcester County can formally establish the invalidity of the marriage. The court may then address any resulting issues related to children or property. The party asserting the bigamy must provide evidence of the prior valid marriage, and the court will determine whether the subsequent marriage is legally void.

Can I get an annulment if my spouse was already married?

Yes, a spouse who discovers a prior undissolved marriage can petition the Worcester County Circuit Court for an annulment. Because the marriage is void, no divorce is necessary. The court will require proof—typically a marriage certificate and divorce decree (or death certificate) for the prior spouse—to confirm that the prior marriage was never terminated. Once the annulment is granted, the marriage is declared void from its inception. The court may also resolve financial or custody issues in the same proceeding, ensuring a comprehensive resolution.

How does bigamy affect property division in Maryland?

Since a bigamous marriage is void, there is no marital estate to be equitably divided. The usual rules under Maryland Code §8‑205 do not apply. Each party retains their separate property. However, if an innocent spouse contributed money or labor to property acquired during the purported marriage, a claim for restitution or unjust enrichment may be possible. The court can also address occupancy of a shared residence during the pendency of the annulment. An experienced attorney can help assess whether any financial recovery is available.

What happens to children born during a bigamous marriage?

Children born of a void marriage are still considered legitimate under Maryland law for purposes of custody, visitation, and support. The Worcester County Circuit Court can enter orders establishing paternity, custody, and child support based on the best interests of the child. The fact that the marriage was void does not diminish a parent’s rights or obligations toward the children. Both parents remain responsible for supporting their children, and the court applies the same child support guidelines as in any other family law case.

Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy annulment in Worcester County?

While not legally required, obtaining legal counsel is advisable when filing for an annulment on the ground of bigamy in Worcester County. Proving a prior undissolved marriage, serving the other party, and addressing property and custody issues can be procedurally complex. An attorney familiar with the local court practices at the Worcester County Circuit Court can help ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and that the client’s rights are fully protected. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are available to discuss the specific facts of your situation.

How do I file for an annulment in Worcester County?

The annulment process begins with the preparation and filing of a Complaint for Annulment in the Worcester County Circuit Court. The complaint must state the ground for annulment—here, bigamy—and include supporting factual allegations. After filing, the complaint must be served on the other spouse. The court will schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must present evidence. If the court finds that the marriage is void, it issues a decree of annulment. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. For assistance with the filing process, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

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

Beyond Worcester County, these charges are addressed on our statewide page about bigamy in Maryland.