Bigamy lawyer Gloucester County, VA
If you are facing a bigamy charge—or need to address a marriage that is void because of bigamy—the legal issues can quickly become complicated. Bigamy allegations in Virginia are treated as felonies, and a conviction can lead to serious consequences including loss of civil rights and lasting damage to your family and reputation. At the same time, a bigamous marriage may affect divorce proceedings, spousal support, property division, and child custody. For residents of Gloucester County, having a lawyer who understands both the criminal and the civil family law dimensions of bigamy is essential. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has served clients in Gloucester County since 1997, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive combined legal experience to bigamy-related matters. If you are looking for a bigamy lawyer in Gloucester County, VA, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Gloucester County, Virginia
Under Virginia law, bigamy occurs when a person who is already lawfully married goes through a marriage ceremony with another individual. The offense is defined in Va. Code § 18.2‑362, and it is prosecuted as a felony. Because Gloucester County is within the Ninth Judicial District, felony bigamy charges are heard in the Gloucester County Circuit Court. A conviction can expose a person to a state prison term and substantial fines, and it also creates a permanent felony record. Beyond the criminal case, bigamy creates civil consequences: a marriage entered into while a prior spouse is living and not divorced is void from the beginning. That means the second marriage has no legal effect, and issues such as property division, spousal support, or custody arrangements that may have been based on the existence of that marriage can be unwound. In some situations, the void marriage may even affect a previous divorce decree or property settlement.
The Gloucester County courts handle both the criminal prosecution and the family law fallout. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the felony charge and any civil annulment action, while the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may become involved if child custody or support disputes arise between the parties. Because bigamy cases are not common in Gloucester County, local judges and prosecutors may approach them with heightened scrutiny. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team are familiar with how these matters proceed in the Ninth Judicial District and work to protect a client’s rights at every stage.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Bigamy Cases
A bigamy charge requires a defense that looks at the facts carefully. The prosecution must prove that the defendant had a valid prior marriage that was not dissolved at the time of the subsequent ceremony, and that the defendant knew about the prior marriage. Valid defenses can include an honest and reasonable belief that the first marriage had ended—for example, if a divorce decree was believed to have been entered but had not yet been finalized—or a claim that the first marriage itself was void. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel investigate each case thoroughly, gathering documentation of any prior divorces, annulments, or death certificates. When the evidence supports it, they negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge. If resolution is not possible, they prepare the case for trial in the Gloucester County Circuit Court.
Alongside the criminal defense, the civil aspects of a bigamous marriage often require careful attention. A party who discovers that their marriage is void because of bigamy may need to file an annulment petition, or they may need to revisit a property settlement that was based on the mistaken belief that the marriage was valid. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle these family law components, representing clients in the Circuit Court to obtain a declaration of nullity and to resolve any financial or custody issues that arise. By managing both the criminal and the civil sides of a bigamy matter, they help Gloucester County clients address the full range of legal consequences in a coordinated way. Every case is different; the timeline and outcome depend on the specific facts and the court’s schedule.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand insight into how the government builds a case, and he uses that perspective to develop strong defense strategies. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to family law cases in Gloucester County. Results may vary.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add additional depth in family law and criminal defense, including former law enforcement and prosecution experience. On bigamy matters, the team works together to address both the immediate criminal charge and the long‑term family law consequences. For Gloucester County clients, the firm is reachable at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bigamy under Virginia law?
Bigamy in Virginia is the felony offense of marrying another person while still lawfully married to a living spouse. The crime is defined in Va. Code § 18.2‑362, and it applies even if the second marriage ceremony takes place outside the Commonwealth, as long as the individual later cohabits in Virginia. The state must prove that a valid prior marriage existed and that the defendant knew the marriage had not been dissolved. Bigamy is distinct from adultery, which is a misdemeanor; a bigamy conviction is a felony and carries the stigma of a felony record. In Gloucester County, these cases are prosecuted in the Circuit Court.
How does a bigamy charge affect divorce, custody, or property division?
A bigamous marriage is void from the start, meaning it will not be treated as a lawful marriage in a divorce case. That can affect spousal support claims, equitable distribution of property, and even child custody arrangements that may have been based on the assumption that the parties were validly married. When a court determines that a marriage is void for bigamy, it will unwind any marital property presumptions and treat the relationship as if the legal marriage never existed. In custody cases, the child’s best interests remain the primary consideration under Va. Code § 20‑124.3, but the invalid marriage can still influence how the court evaluates the family structure.
What should I do if I am accused of bigamy in Gloucester County?
If you are facing a bigamy accusation, speak with an experienced lawyer immediately and avoid making statements that could be used against you. Gather any documents that relate to your prior marriage—divorce decrees, annulment orders, death certificates—and preserve all communication with your spouse or former spouse. Do not try to resolve the situation on your own. An attorney can evaluate whether the prosecution can prove the necessary elements of the charge, and can work to minimize the criminal and civil consequences. For a consultation in a Gloucester County bigamy matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a bigamous marriage be annulled in Virginia?
Yes, a marriage that is void because of bigamy may be annulled by the Gloucester County Circuit Court. An annulment declares that the marriage never legally existed. A party with standing—typically the innocent spouse—can petition for an annulment without the need to wait for a separation period. The court may also address issues of property, support, and custody if the parties have children. Because bigamy makes the marriage void, the court does not need to find fault grounds beyond the existence of the prior, undissolved marriage. An annulment terminates any legal effects that may have flowed from the invalid ceremony.
How do I find a bigamy lawyer in Gloucester County?
Look for a lawyer who handles both criminal defense and family law, because a bigamy case often involves both tracks. In Gloucester County, a bigamy charge will proceed through the Circuit Court, while related family matters may go through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. An attorney familiar with the local courts and with Virginia’s laws on void marriages can handle both sides of the issue. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers that combined experience. To discuss your situation with a bigamy lawyer in Gloucester County, VA, call (888) 437-7747.
For additional family law support in other Virginia localities, see our pages on family law attorney in Fairfax County, Fairfax City family lawyer, Prince William County divorce and family law, and Manassas family law representation.
Primary legal sources: Va. Code § 18.2‑362 (bigamy) | Virginia Judicial System
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