Partners can plan to spend their lives together without formally tying the knot. Some states refer to these relationships as “common-law marriages.” In Washington, they are called “committed intimate relationships” (CIR). For help understanding the laws related to entering or ending a CIR, talk to a Bremerton family lawyer from Dellino Family Law.
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Plan Ahead When Entering a Committed Intimate Relationship
When it comes to a committed intimate relationship, what to know when you move in with a partner is to be prepared for wherever life takes that relationship. Your CIR may last a lifetime, and it’s wonderful to hold that expectation.
Preparing for a different outcome doesn’t mean you are thinking negatively about or lack confidence in the partnership. It means you’re being realistic and taking practical measures to protect yourself if unexpected circumstances arise. People and relationships can change, and those changes are easier to weather when you’ve taken proactive steps to address them.
A committed intimate relationships attorney in Bremerton can help you create a cohabitation agreement. This document serves the same purpose as a prenuptial agreement does for couples who marry. It establishes how you’ll resolve important issues, such as property division and finances, should your relationship end.
Paternity Matters
You and your partner may have children during your relationship. Perhaps one or both of you already have a child. If your relationship ends, issues related to child custody and support could come into play. To ensure your parent-child relationships are legally determined, it is important to establish paternity.
Legal Status of and Laws Applying to Partners in a Committed Intimate Relationship
The paper “Beyond Marvina v. Marvin: How Washington Leads the Way in Protecting Unmarried Cohabitants,” published in The Washington Review, describes the measures Washington courts have implemented for recognizing CIRs. Judges consider several factors before confirming the CIR designation. These factors include:
- How long the couple has lived together (without breaks)
- How long the couple has been in a relationship
- The purpose of the relationship
- Each individual partner’s intent
- How the couple has commingled “resources and services for joint projects”
Though Washington recognizes CIRs, it does not afford all the same rights to these partnerships as legal marriages. Those in a CIR don’t get the same tax benefits as legally married couples. They are not allowed to file taxes jointly and aren’t eligible for the doubled standard deduction.
A Bremerton Committed Intimate Relationships Attorney Can Help if Your Relationship Ends
Couples in CIRs face the same concerns when they break up as couples in legal marriages do. The court does not always address these concerns in exactly the same way for CIRs as it does for legal marriages. The team at Dellino Family Law can explain what to expect as you separate and work to protect your interests.
Spousal Maintenance
One spouse may have to pay the other spousal maintenance after a legal marriage ends. Support orders could be temporary or permanent, per the court’s determination. When partners in a CIR split up, there is no option for spousal maintenance unless the couple has a written, legal agreement establishing that requirement.
Legal Fees
As part of a divorce agreement, judges sometimes order one spouse to pay the other’s legal fees, per RCW 26.09.140. This law doesn’t extend to CIRs. When this kind of relationship ends and requires legal intervention, each party must pay their own attorney and legal fees.
Division of Property
The court usually treats assets or debts a couple acquires during a CIR the same as it does in legal marriages. These assets and debts count as joint property. The court’s goal is to divide property equitably, not necessarily equally, per RCW 26.09.080. It seeks to divide property fairly based on the circumstances of the relationship and the parties involved.
Parenting Agreements
Parenting plans document the amount of time a child lives or spends with each parent. It also establishes each parent’s role in making important decisions for the child. Sometimes, separating spouses or CIR partners agree on the terms, and if the court determines the plan serves the best interests of the child as RCW 26.09.002 demands, it approves the plan.
Other times, parenting-plan development is contentious. In these cases, having a loyal, knowledgeable legal advocate is especially important. Whatever situation you face, a Bremerton committed intimate relationships lawyer can help. We can work with you to keep the process smooth or fight for you and your child if it becomes fraught.
Our Team Can Help Get Answers to Unanswered CIR Questions
Despite the steps Washington State has taken to recognize CIRs and address matters of separation, many issues remain unresolved. As The Washington Review paper states, “the development of the doctrine has been a patchwork.” The doctrine expands as cases raise new issues and judges render decisions.
Your situations might involve some of these unanswered questions. Our team has extensive knowledge of related case law. “Diligence” and “adaptability” are two of our core values. We stay current with legal developments and do the hard work needed to advocate for you effectively.
You can count on us to consider fresh approaches and discover innovative solutions for your particular circumstances. We do not settle for ordinary results. Our core value of “excellence” prompts us to strive for extraordinary outcomes for our clients.
Protect Your Partnership and Your Personal Interests
Entering a committed intimate relationship is a major life event. Give your decision the respect and thought it deserves. Prepare for this new part of your life with a Bremerton committed intimate relationships attorney from Dellino Family Law.
We’re also here for you if the relationship ends. We can offer support and protection as you move forward, working to make that process as smooth as possible.