Bigamy lawyer Goochland County, VA

Bigamy—entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person—creates immediate legal problems in Virginia. A bigamous marriage is void from the start, which triggers complex questions about property ownership, spousal support, and divorce grounds. For residents of Goochland County, resolving a family law matter tied to bigamy requires a clear understanding of how the Goochland County Circuit Court handles void marriages under Virginia Code § 20‑38.1. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients throughout the Goochland area, including Crozier and Oilville, in annulment proceedings, divorce cases that include a bigamy component, and related asset-division disputes. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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What Bigamy Means in Goochland County Family Law

Virginia treats a bigamous marriage as a legal nullity. Under Va. Code § 20‑38.1, a marriage is void if one party had a living spouse at the time the new marriage was solemnized. The practical result is that the later marriage never had legal effect. In Goochland County, the Circuit Court at 2938 River Road West, Building G, is the court with exclusive jurisdiction over annulment actions and divorce suits that involve a bigamous union. Because the marriage is void from inception, a party may seek an annulment rather than a divorce, but divorce grounds also apply if the couple undertook certain legal steps before discovering the bigamy. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court may become involved when children from the void marriage are present, as it handles custody, visitation, and child support issues. These cases move through the Sixteenth Judicial District, and experienced legal guidance can help a spouse protect their interests even after learning that the marriage was invalid.

Goochland County’s location west of Richmond along the I‑64 corridor means that many residents—from the James River access communities to the Dover area—must travel to the county seat for court proceedings. The firm’s Richmond Location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive serves clients throughout Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly at the Goochland County Circuit Court, and because a bigamy matter often intertwines with questions about property acquired during the void marriage, the team is prepared to address equitable distribution concerns even when the marriage is voidable or void. While bigamy may also trigger a criminal investigation under Va. Code § 18.2‑362, the firm’s family law practice focuses on the civil side—annulment, property division, and any related custody or support adjustments.

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

Family law cases that stem from bigamy require a dual focus: nullifying the prior‑in‑time legal relationship and unwinding any financial entanglements that arose during the later void marriage. The firm starts by evaluating whether the second marriage can be annulled under Va. Code § 20‑89.1—which allows annulment when a marriage is void for bigamy—or whether seeking a divorce on the ground of a void marriage is the more strategic path for the client’s situation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 and has handled complex family law matters across Virginia for more than twenty‑eight years. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys—experienced litigators admitted in Virginia—bring complementary perspectives, including firsthand insight into local court procedures and how Goochland County judges approach void‑marriage cases.

The process typically involves filing the appropriate pleading in Goochland County Circuit Court, serving the other party, and presenting evidence that the earlier marriage was never legally dissolved when the second ceremony took place. Because a void marriage can still generate claims for personal property, real estate, and retirement accounts obtained during the relationship, the firm works to identify which assets qualify as marital property subject to equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20‑107.3 and which are separate. When children are involved, the team helps pursue parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20‑124.2, regardless of the marriage’s invalidity. The firm has documented case results in Goochland County across multiple practice areas, including favorable outcomes in reported instances. Results may vary.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., built the firm on the principle that each client’s matter deserves thorough preparation and clear courtroom advocacy. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and brings decades of trial experience to every case the firm handles. In addition, Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), legislation that refined the equitable distribution statute under Va. Code § 20‑107.3. His hands‑on understanding of family law statutes—including those governing void marriages and annulment—informs the strategy the firm deploys in Goochland County.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent, seasoned litigators who appear in Virginia circuit and district courts on behalf of the firm’s clients. Their collective experience spans divorce, annulment, custody, and property division, and they are familiar with the procedural expectations of the Goochland County Circuit Court. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to craft a plan that addresses the immediate legal status of a bigamous marriage and resolves the financial and parental consequences that follow. For a consultation about a bigamy‑related family law matter in Goochland County, call (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A bigamous marriage is void from the beginning under Virginia law, meaning it legally never existed. This rule, found in Va. Code § 20‑38.1, operates automatically—no court declaration is required for the marriage to be considered void, although a court order of annulment or divorce may still be needed to resolve property and custody disputes. Because the marriage is void, a party may seek an annulment under Va. Code § 20‑89.1 rather than a divorce. That said, a divorce complaint based on the void marriage is also a viable procedural alternative when a permanent record of dissolution is preferred. The outcome depends on the facts, and consulting an attorney who handles Goochland County family law matters is a prudent first step.

Do I need a lawyer to handle a bigamy annulment in Goochland County?

While no statute requires you to hire a lawyer for an annulment, navigating a bigamy‑related matter in Goochland County Circuit Court without legal guidance can be challenging. The court requires proper pleadings, service of process on the other spouse, and evidence that the prior marriage was never dissolved. Mistakes in procedure can delay the case and compound financial stress. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle annulment filings, property division, and any related custody issues, helping you move through the process efficiently. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How does bigamy affect property division in Virginia?

Because a bigamous marriage is void, property acquired during that union is not automatically “marital property” under Va. Code § 20‑107.3; the court will classify assets based on the actual relationship and contributions of the parties. In many cases, assets titled in one spouse’s name remain separate property, but equitable principles may still result in a monetary award if the other spouse contributed substantially to the acquisition or improvement of the property. The Goochland County Circuit Court may also consider whether either party acted in good faith when entering the void marriage. An experienced attorney can present the facts in a way that supports a fair outcome.

Can bigamy result in criminal charges in Virginia?

Yes, bigamy is a felony under Va. Code § 18.2‑362, but Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles the civil family law aspects—annulment, divorce, and property issues—not the criminal defense of a bigamy charge. If a person learns they are party to a bigamous marriage, they should contact us to request a consultation to protect property rights and parenting arrangements. While this page focuses on the family law implications, the firm has extensive experience in criminal defense and can refer a client to qualified criminal counsel if needed. For questions about your civil options in Goochland County, contact the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

How does a bigamy case proceed in Goochland County courts?

An annulment or divorce based on a bigamous marriage is filed in the Goochland County Circuit Court, located at 2938 River Road West, Building G, Goochland, Virginia 23063. After the complaint is filed and served, the court may schedule a hearing where the moving party presents evidence—typically a certified marriage license from the prior marriage and proof that it was never dissolved—to establish the void marriage. If the other spouse contests the claim, the case may proceed with discovery and trial. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling, but the firm’s familiarity with the Sixteenth Judicial District can help clients anticipate procedural milestones.

What should I bring to a consultation about a bigamy‑related family law matter?

Bring any documentation related to the prior marriage—such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or certified records from the vital records office—as well as information about the subsequent marriage and any property or children involved. Also useful are financial records, real estate deeds, bank statements, and correspondence that show when the second marriage began and when the bigamy issue surfaced. Having these materials available helps Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate which legal avenue—annulment, divorce, or both—best fits your circumstances. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Family Law Resources in Nearby Virginia Communities

Learn more about how the firm assists families across Virginia:

Virginia Legal Sources

These official Virginia government websites provide further information on statutes and court rules relevant to bigamy and family law matters:

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