Protecting The Rights Of Unmarried Couples In Washington

Ending a long-term relationship can raise serious legal questions even when you never married. You may own a home together, share bank accounts, have children or have built a life together over many years. When the relationship ends, disputes over property, finances and parenting can quickly become complicated.

At Berner Law Group, PLLC, our family law attorneys help unmarried couples in Everett and throughout Snohomish County understand their rights and protect what matters to them. We take a direct, strategic approach to family law disputes and fight for our clients’ interests.

Property Rights In A Committed Intimate Relationship

Washington law recognizes certain relationships as committed intimate relationships, or CIRs. Courts look at the circumstances of the relationship rather than simply how long a couple lived together. They may consider factors such as:

• How long you lived together
• The length and purpose of the relationship
• Whether you combined finances or resources
• Whether you worked toward shared goals
• The nature of your commitment to one another

If a court finds that a committed intimate relationship existed, it may divide property that the couple acquired during the relationship in a just and equitable way. Different rules generally apply to property that one partner owned before the relationship.

Disputes can become especially difficult when couples own real estate, retirement accounts, businesses or other valuable assets. We identify the property at issue, examine how and when the couple acquired it and fight for an outcome that protects our client’s financial interests.

Can You Receive Spousal Support If You Were Never Married?

Washington courts generally do not award traditional spousal maintenance, sometimes called alimony, after a committed intimate relationship ends. A CIR does not give unmarried partners all the same rights and remedies that spouses have in a divorce.

However, former partners may still disagree about jointly owned property, shared debts or financial agreements. A lawyer can help you understand how Washington law may apply to your situation. We can examine your circumstances, explain your rights and determine what legal options may apply.

Protecting Parenting Rights For Unmarried Parents

Unmarried parents can establish legal rights and responsibilities involving their children. In some cases, however, a parent must first establish legal parentage before asking the court to decide certain issues.

After establishing parentage, a parent may ask the court to address matters such as:

• Parenting plans and residential schedules
• Decision-making authority
• Child support
• Other issues involving the child’s care

Washington provides several ways to establish parentage, including signing an acknowledgment of parentage or pursuing a court proceeding.

We help unmarried parents protect their relationship with their children and pursue parenting arrangements that address their family’s needs.

Put A Tenacious Family Law Team On Your Side

You do not need a marriage certificate for a breakup to threaten your property, finances or relationship with your children. Knowing your rights early can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

At Berner Law Group, PLLC, we treat your case like it is our own. Contact our Everett office for a free consultation about an unmarried-couple family law matter. Call 425-523-1110 or send us an email today.