Bigamy lawyer Suffolk, VA

Bigamy—entering into a marriage while a prior marriage remains legally valid—creates serious legal consequences in Virginia, affecting both the validity of the subsequent marriage and potentially exposing a spouse to criminal liability. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Suffolk, Virginia, in family law matters where bigamy is at issue, including seeking annulment of a void marriage, addressing property division and custody questions that arise when a marriage is declared void, and navigating the civil effects of a bigamous union. The firm’s attorneys also defend individuals facing criminal bigamy charges in Suffolk courts. For a consultation about your situation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Bigamy Means in Suffolk, Virginia

Under Virginia law, a marriage is void from the beginning if either party had a living spouse at the time of the marriage ceremony. A bigamous marriage carries no legal force—it does not create marital property rights, does not give rise to spousal support obligations, and can affect the legitimacy of children born during the union. The Suffolk Circuit Court located at 150 North Main Street, Suite 2G, handles annulment proceedings and civil actions seeking a declaration that a marriage is void. Suffolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court addresses custody and support matters involving children of a void marriage.

Suffolk, situated in the Fifth Judicial District of Virginia, is served by the firm’s Richmond Location. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Suffolk courts on family law matters. Bigamy cases in Suffolk frequently intersect with other family law issues—custody disputes, property division when one spouse believed the marriage was valid, and questions about the validity of a separation agreement signed during a bigamous marriage. Virginia’s equitable distribution framework under Va. Code § 20-107.3 applies only to valid marriages; when a marriage is void ab initio, the statutory property-division scheme does not govern, and parties may need to pursue other civil remedies to resolve financial entanglements.

A person who discovers that their spouse was already married at the time of the ceremony may seek an annulment from the Suffolk Circuit Court. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment declares that no valid marriage ever existed. The distinction carries implications for property rights, inheritance, and spousal support. The firm’s attorneys help clients evaluate whether annulment or another legal remedy best addresses their circumstances and guide them through the procedural requirements of the Suffolk courts.

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

When a client learns that a spouse committed bigamy, the initial legal steps depend on the client’s goals—whether the priority is ending the void marriage through annulment, protecting parental rights regarding children of the union, resolving financial entanglements, or addressing potential criminal exposure. The firm’s attorneys begin by reviewing the facts of the prior marriage: whether it was properly dissolved, whether a divorce decree was validly entered, and whether any legal presumption of death or other circumstance might affect the validity analysis.

In Suffolk, an annulment proceeding based on bigamy is filed in the Circuit Court. The firm’s attorneys prepare and file the necessary pleadings, present evidence of the prior undissolved marriage, and address any defenses raised by the opposing party. Where children are involved, the firm works to establish custody, visitation, and child support arrangements through the Suffolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Because Virginia law treats a bigamous marriage as void, the firm’s attorneys also counsel clients on the practical consequences—how to untangle jointly held property, address debts incurred during the void union, and protect individual assets. For clients facing criminal bigamy charges, the firm’s attorneys provide defense representation and work to mitigate the collateral consequences that a felony conviction can carry.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand understanding of how criminal charges are evaluated and prosecuted—a perspective that informs the firm’s approach to bigamy cases, which often involve both family law and criminal law dimensions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to family law matters in Suffolk and throughout Virginia. The firm’s attorneys are experienced in annulment proceedings, void-marriage declarations, complex property disputes arising from invalid marriages, and related custody and support matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work collaboratively on each matter to address both the immediate legal needs and the longer-term implications for the client’s family and finances. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal effect of a bigamous marriage in Virginia?

A bigamous marriage is void from the beginning under Virginia law, meaning it carries no legal force and does not create marital rights or obligations. The marriage is treated as if it never existed. This affects property division—the equitable distribution statute does not apply—and means that no spousal support obligation arises from the void marriage. Children born during a bigamous marriage, however, are not automatically affected in their legitimacy or their right to support from both parents. An annulment proceeding in the Suffolk Circuit Court formally declares the marriage void and provides a legal record of the determination.

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

Yes, bigamy is a ground for annulment in Virginia, and an annulment petition may be filed in the Suffolk Circuit Court. An annulment differs from a divorce in that it declares the marriage void from the start rather than ending a valid marriage. To pursue an annulment based on bigamy, the petitioner must present evidence that the other spouse had a living, undissolved prior marriage at the time of the ceremony. The firm’s attorneys help clients gather the necessary documentation, prepare the petition, and present the case to the court. Annulment may affect property claims and financial arrangements made during the void marriage, and the firm’s attorneys counsel clients on these practical consequences.

Does bigamy affect child custody in Suffolk, Virginia?

Bigamy does not automatically affect a parent’s right to seek custody or visitation of children born during the void marriage; custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The Suffolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court applies the statutory factors under Va. Code § 20-124.3, including the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s role in the child’s life, and any history of abuse. The fact that the marriage was void does not by itself disqualify a parent from obtaining custody or visitation. The firm’s attorneys represent parents in custody proceedings arising from bigamous marriages and work to protect parental rights and the child’s well-being.

Is bigamy a crime in Virginia?

Yes, bigamy is a criminal offense in Virginia and is prosecuted as a felony. A person who, while lawfully married, enters into another marriage may face criminal charges. The criminal case is separate from any family law proceeding—annulment is a civil matter handled in Circuit Court, while criminal bigamy charges are prosecuted in the appropriate criminal court. The firm’s attorneys represent clients in both the family law and criminal aspects of bigamy cases. A criminal conviction can carry significant penalties and collateral consequences, and the firm’s attorneys work to protect the client’s rights throughout the process. Results may vary.

How do I find a bigamy lawyer near Suffolk, Virginia?

To speak with a bigamy lawyer serving Suffolk, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. The firm’s Richmond Location serves clients in Suffolk, Harbour View, North Suffolk, and throughout the Fifth Judicial District. The firm’s attorneys handle annulment proceedings, void-marriage declarations, custody and support matters arising from bigamous marriages, and criminal defense for bigamy charges. Consultations are available by appointment. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I discover my spouse is already married?

If you discover that your spouse was already married at the time of your ceremony, you should consult with an attorney promptly to understand your legal options and protect your rights. Early steps may include gathering documentation of the prior marriage, securing financial records, and determining whether children’s custody and support arrangements need to be addressed. An attorney can advise whether annulment, a custody petition, or other legal action is appropriate for your circumstances. The firm’s attorneys represent clients in Suffolk on these matters and can help you navigate the interplay between the civil annulment process and any related custody or property issues. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. By appointment only. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

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