In Washington State, these relationships have property rights and other rights similar to those had by married couples. It is critical that you know and understand the implications of living with an intimate partner in Washington so you can either plan accordingly or know what rights you may have when a relationship like this ends. Cohabitation laws apply to all couples meeting legal requirements for committed intimate relationships, including both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. How does the court determine a committed intimate relationship?
There is not a specific set of criteria or a distinct formula used to determine if a relationship constitutes a committed intimate relationship. The courts use a number of different factors when making this determination. Some of these factors among others may include:. When an unmarried cohabitating couple separates, if their relationship constitutes a committed intimate relationship as determined by the courts, their rights and responsibilities are similar to those of married couples.
If a couple cannot negotiate and come to an agreement on their own, the court may need to get involved in making determinations. Generally, property and assets acquired during the committed intimate relationship is presumed to be owned jointly by both parties. Debts from during the relationship are also presumed joint. Name on title to accounts does not determine the character and rights to the property. Even if your partner has a retirement account or a bank account not in your name that was funded during the relationship, you may have an interest in it.
Likewise, they may have an interest in yours. The assets and debts will be divided in a way that is fair and equitable as determined by the court if you do not reach an agreement beforehand in the course of the dissolution of the relationship. The separate property of the parties is not subject to division. Some of the significant differences between rights in a committed intimate relationships vs.
If you find yourself at the end of a long term relationship and do not know what steps to take, you should come visit with us to discuss your options. Ending a committed intimate relationship can be emotionally and financially devastating. The process can be made much easier with help on your side. It is crucial to understand what rights you may have to assets, real property, and what steps to take to act on those rights. You also may be the partner in a position where you are wondering if the other party has a claim to what you acquired or earned during a relationship and are concerned with protecting your assets.
