LYONS & LYONS

In the matter of *Lyons & Lyons*, Hogan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application to declare a marriage void. The applicant, Mr Lyons, sought to have his marriage to the respondent, Ms Lyons (nee D), solemnised in Queensland in 2018, declared void.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the marriage between Mr Lyons and Ms Lyons was valid, or if it was void *ab initio*. This determination required the Court to consider the circumstances surrounding the solemnisation of the marriage and whether any legal impediments existed at that time.

Hogan J found that the marriage was void. The Court's reasoning, as evidenced by the orders made, indicated a concern regarding the applicant's prior marital status. Consequently, Hogan J ordered that a copy of the court documents, including the initiating application, affidavits, and written submissions, be forwarded to the Attorney-General's Department. This was to bring to the Attorney-General's attention the Court's comments concerning the potential commencement of proceedings against the applicant for the offence of bigamy. The marriage was declared void.