08 Mar A Guide To Ending a Common Law Marriage in WA
We have all heard the term “common law marriage.” Essentially, it means that a couple who has not been legally married is afforded the same rights as those who are. But does Washington State recognize common law marriage? The answer is no; however, Washington does recognize couples who have been in a long-term relationship, granting them some rights under Washington law that governs what the state calls a “committed intimate relationship.” This guide to ending a common law marriage in Washington state will help those struggling in this situation.
If Not Common Law, Then What?
As previously stated, Washington state does not recognize common law marriages. That does not mean that couples who have been together for a long time have no rights under the law, though. If the couple lives together and the community recognizes them as a marital couple, they will qualify as being in a committed intimate relationship. The remainder of this article will serve as a guide to ending common law marriage (or a committed intimate relationship) and what to expect when doing so.
What About Property?
Courts will determine what is fair and equitable for couples in a committed intimate relationship. Judges will keep in mind the economic status of each partner, the type of property at stake, and the length of the relationship. You’ll need a trusted common law marriage lawyer in Washington State to help you through the process. Luckily, LaCoste Family Law has a great attorney on hand to help with these matters.
What If You Have Children?
As in a typical divorce, judges dealing with the end of a committed intimate relationship want what is best for the children. For this reason, you must be able to prove that you can provide a stable environment for the child. Also, the courts want the dissipation of this relationship to affect the children as little as possible. From there, they will make a decision regarding custody and where the children should reside.
Again, when you’re faced with decisions about how to end a common law marriage (called a committed intimate relationship in Washington State), you will need a compassionate common law marriage lawyer in Washington state to help with this situation. If you do not acquire legal assistance, you could be in for major headaches in the future.