Legal Consequences of Bigamous Marriages: Understanding Annulment Based on Bigamy

When a person enters into a marriage while still legally bound to another living individual, it creates a legal quagmire known as bigamy.

What Constitutes a Bigamous Marriage?
Bigamy is recognized as the act of contracting into a marriage with one person while still being legally married to another. In most jurisdictions, a bigamous marriage is considered null and void from the start, meaning the law treats the union as if it never took place.

Choosing Annulment Over Divorce for Bigamy
Many individuals seek an annulment over a divorce in cases of bigamy because it erases the legal record of the marriage. Since bigamy is a fundamental ground for annulment, the petitioner does not need to prove irreconcilable differences; they simply need to provide evidence of the prior existing marriage.

Financial and Parental Consequences
Even if a marriage is declared void due to bigamy, the court still has the power to rule on matters of child support and custody.

Property Division: In many states, the "putative spouse" doctrine protects the deceived spouse, allowing them to claim a fair share of acquired assets.
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Status of Children: The children's rights to inheritance and bigamy ground for annulment support are usually maintained despite the annulment of the parents' marriage.

Steps to File for Annulment Based on Bigamy
Filing for an annulment requires meticulous preparation and legal evidence.

Gathering Evidence: You must obtain a bigamy ground for annulment certified copy of the spouse’s previous marriage certificate and confirm that no divorce decree exists.

Legal Filings: This document states bigamy ground for annulment the claim of bigamy and requests the court to invalidate the union.

Court Appearance: Once bigamy ground for annulment the court is satisfied of the prior marriage, the current marriage will be nullified.

The Penal Side of Bigamous Unions
It is essential to remember that bigamy is not just a civil matter; it is a legal violation in most regions. Prosecution is uncommon unless there is evidence of fraud, but the possibility remains a serious factor in these cases.

Conclusion
By seeking an annulment on the grounds of bigamy, you can reclaim your legal bigamy ground for annulment status and move forward with peace of mind. Consulting with a qualified family law attorney is the best way to guarantee your rights are upheld during this trying time.