What does it mean to live together in Washington State?
What does it mean to live together in Washington State?
When an unmarried couple lives together for a significant period of time, they may have formed a “meretricious relationship,” which, in Washington, gives each of them rights to property, similar to rights enjoyed by married couples. This article provides an overview of cohabitation relationships.
Is it legal to cohabitate in Washington State?
Now that same-sex marriage is legal in Washington, cohabitation laws should apply to all couples that meet the legal requirements for meretricious relationships – not just opposite-sex couples. However, no case dealing precisely with the issue of same-sex cohabitants’ property rights has been heard and decided since December of 2012.
What is a meretricious relationship in Washington State?
When an unmarried couple lives together for a significant period of time, they may have formed a “meretricious relationship,” which, in Washington, gives each of them rights to property, similar to rights enjoyed by married couples. This article provides an overview of cohabitation relationships. What is a “meretricious” relationship?
When did same sex marriage become legal in Washington State?
On February 13, 2012, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a same-sex marriage equality bill. This bill – “Referendum 74” – was approved by Washington voters on November 6, 2012 in a 52-48 percent win. The law, which allows same-sex couples to wed, took effect on December 6, 2012.
When an unmarried couple lives together for a significant period of time, they may have formed a “meretricious relationship,” which, in Washington, gives each of them rights to property, similar to rights enjoyed by married couples. This article provides an overview of cohabitation relationships.
Now that same-sex marriage is legal in Washington, cohabitation laws should apply to all couples that meet the legal requirements for meretricious relationships – not just opposite-sex couples. However, no case dealing precisely with the issue of same-sex cohabitants’ property rights has been heard and decided since December of 2012.
How is property divided in cohabitation in Washington State?
When dividing property acquired in a cohabitation relationship, Washington courts must take a three-step approach: determine whether a “meretricous” relationship existed (see above) evaluate the interest each party has in the property acquired during the relationship, and make a just and equitable (fair) distribution of the property.
Can a person own the water in Washington State?
State law says the waters of Washington belong to the public and are managed by the state. No individual or group can own the water, but they can get rights to use them. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) issues individuals or groups the right to use water.