Bigamy lawyer York County, VA
If you are dealing with family law issues arising from a marriage that may be void because of bigamy, or you need to pursue an annulment or divorce based on your spouse’s existing marriage, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides family law representation to clients in York County, Virginia. This page addresses the civil family law consequences of bigamy—not the criminal defense of bigamy charges. Our firm handles family court matters including annulment, divorce, spousal support, and equitable distribution when a marriage is challenged as void. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, to family law cases in York County and serve the communities of Yorktown, Grafton, Tabb, and Seaford. Results may vary. Reach our Richmond Location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—renders the subsequent marriage void from its inception under Virginia law. The York County Circuit Court, located at 300 Ballard Street in Yorktown, exercises jurisdiction over annulment petitions and divorce complaints that arise from allegations of bigamy. Whether you recently discovered that your spouse was already married or you are defending against a divorce filing that cites a void marriage, experienced family law counsel can help you navigate the procedural requirements and protect your interests.
The York County Circuit Court at 300 Ballard Street, Yorktown, Virginia 23690, hears all annulment, divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters arising in York County.
Source: Virginia Judicial System. Virginia’s Court System
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Bigamy Means in York County, Virginia
Virginia Code § 20-43 declares that a marriage entered into while an earlier marriage of one of the parties is still subsisting is void from the beginning. The law treats such a union as though it never existed. For the innocent spouse, this reality can carry significant family law consequences—determining whether property is marital or separate, whether spousal support is available, and what relief the court can grant. The York County Circuit Court is the proper venue for obtaining an annulment decree that formally declares the marriage void, as well as for any related divorce or equitable distribution claims connected to the original, valid marriage.
Because a bigamous marriage is void, Virginia courts generally do not divide property acquired during that relationship under the equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, unless a party can establish that it would be inequitable to treat the property as separate. Spousal support may also be unavailable under the void marriage; however, the maintenance and support of children born of that union are still governed by the child support guidelines and the trusted‑interests custody factors. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its representation on the family law aspects of bigamy—investigating the prior marriage, preparing annulment pleadings, and advocating for the financial and parental interests of the affected spouse and children. Although the firm does not represent individuals in criminal bigamy proceedings, the existence of a possible felony charge under Va. Code § 18.2-362 can influence how the family court views the conduct of the party who entered into the void marriage, particularly when evaluating fault‑based spousal support or a disproportionate division of assets.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy Cases
When a client presents a potential bigamy issue, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel first work to confirm the legal status of the prior marriage through a careful review of public marriage records, divorce decrees, and any related court documents. If the evidence supports an annulment action, the firm prepares and files a petition in the York County Circuit Court, seeking a decree that the marriage is void ab initio. In situations where the client also wishes to dissolve the original, valid marriage, a separate divorce complaint may be filed in the same court, with the bigamy serving as a fault ground that can affect equitable distribution and support.
The timeline for resolving a bigamy‑related family law matter depends on court scheduling, the completeness of the documentary record, and whether the other party contests the allegations. Service of process may be required on a spouse who resides outside Virginia, and the firm handles those procedural steps in accordance with state law and applicable international service conventions where necessary. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed and work to achieve a resolution that protects their financial interests and parental rights. For complex matters that involve business or retirement assets, the team coordinates with forensic accountants and valuation attorneys when appropriate. Results may vary. In your case.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings substantial courtroom experience to family law cases, including those involving contested marital validity. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), legislation that revised the equitable distribution statute to address certain retirement‑plan issues. His background in trial advocacy informs the thorough preparation the firm applies to every annulment, divorce, or custody matter in the York County Circuit Court and the York County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The Of Counsel team consists of seasoned practitioners who have handled family law disputes across multiple Virginia jurisdictions, including the Ninth Judicial District. This collective experience allows the firm to address the legal and practical challenges that arise when a marriage is called into question—from obtaining foreign marriage records to navigating the intersection of civil and criminal law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented 13 favorable case results in York County across all practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy and how does it affect a marriage in Virginia?
Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another. Under Virginia law, the second marriage is void from its inception, meaning it has no legal effect. A void marriage cannot be the basis for equitable distribution or spousal support in the same way a valid marriage can, though the court may still need to address property and child custody. If you believe your marriage is void because of a prior undissolved marriage, an annulment action in the York County Circuit Court can formalize that status. Contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 to review your situation.
Can I get an annulment if my spouse was already married?
Yes. When a spouse was already married at the time of your ceremony and that prior marriage had not ended in divorce or death, the later marriage is void ab initio. The York County Circuit Court has jurisdiction to issue an annulment decree that declares the marriage a nullity. The court may require evidence of the prior marriage, such as a certified marriage certificate and testimony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients gather the necessary documentation and file the appropriate pleadings to obtain an annulment. To discuss the details of your matter, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
How does bigamy affect divorce and property division in York County?
Because a bigamous marriage is void, Virginia courts typically treat it as if it never existed for purposes of property division and spousal support. Property accumulated during the void relationship is generally not classified as marital and may instead be considered separate or held under other equitable principles. However, the court may still order financial relief in limited circumstances, and issues such as child support and custody are unaffected. The specific outcome depends on the facts of the case. For guidance tailored to your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy‑related family law case?
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, navigating an annulment or a divorce that involves allegations of bigamy can be procedurally and factually complex. You may need to obtain records from another jurisdiction, serve a spouse who lives out of state, and address how the court should handle jointly held property and debts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience presenting such cases in the York County Circuit Court and can help you present the facts clearly. For a consultation, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handle bigamy cases in York County?
The firm begins by reviewing the client’s marriage documentation and investigating the status of any previous marriage. If an annulment is appropriate, a petition is filed in the York County Circuit Court, and the firm works to secure service on the other party. If a related divorce or custody matter is also pending, the cases may be consolidated or handled concurrently. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed of procedural timelines and work toward a resolution that protects the client’s parental rights and financial interests. Results may vary.
What should I bring to a consultation about a bigamy matter?
For an initial consultation, bring any marriage certificates, divorce decrees, prenuptial agreements, and court orders that relate to your current marriage or any previous union. Also gather financial records such as tax returns, property deeds, and bank statements, especially if you believe assets may need to be separated or accounted for. Having these documents ready helps Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assess the legal issues quickly. To schedule a consultation, reach the firm’s Richmond Location at (888) 437-7747.
Outbound primary‑source authority: Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) ? York County Circuit Court ? Virginia Judicial System
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009
By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
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.