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.
