Washington is not among the handful of states that allow common law marriages to occur within their borders. It does, however, recognize common law marriages from states that authorize them. Additionally, unmarried couples who fit certain criteria may qualify for numerous rights and protections afforded by the state of Washington, many of which are the same that married couples enjoy.
A committed intimate relationship CIR is a marriage-like status that is officially recognized by Washington State. Although no clear statutory definition exists to describe CIRs, judges use a list of factors to aid in their determination, including:. These are just a few factors the court will consider when deciding whether a couple is in a CIR. The court will consider any relevant information while deciding. As mentioned, Washington state recognizes common law marriages from the handful of common law marriage states.
Generally speaking, all states that allow common law marriage have substantially the same requirements:. When it comes to deciding on the validity of common law marriages from other states, Washington courts require the parties to have been living together for at least five years. During this period of uninterrupted cohabitation, the couple must also have considered themselves married.
Keep in mind, however, that fulfilling the five-year cohabitation requirement does not guarantee that the courts will recognize the validity of a common law marriage from another state. For example, in the event that individuals in a CIR move to end their relationship, they have access to the courts to help them resolve disputes relating to:. When making decisions for CIRs, the courts follow the same procedures and principles used when dealing with married couples.
For example, judges are guided by the best interests of the child when making child custody rulings for both unmarried and married couples.
