-
Unmarried couples have different rights than married couples. But, if you're living together as an unmarried couple and your relationship is ending, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you want to end an unmarried relationship: If you are living with someone in an unmarried relationship and are thinking about ending the relationship, do you know your rights? If you would describe your relationship as marital-like, if you commingled finances, or if you have children together, it is advisable to consult with a ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
In place of common law marriage, Washington recognizes committed intimate relationships (also known as meretricious relationships). These are relationships that mimic a marriage and give you legal rights without being married. If you and your partner have been together intimately for several years, have lived in the same residence during that time, and possibly have children together, an estate plan, or joint purchases, bank accounts or debt, then you have a good argument that you meet the requirements of a committed ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
In the United States, cohabitating partners (couples who live together) have many of the same property rights as they would if they were legally married. However, most of these laws apply to couples who are breaking up. If a partner dies, these property rights may not transfer to the surviving partner unless the other partner had an estate plan or the couple filed for a State Registered Domestic Partnership (SRDP). Factors to Consider If you lost a partner and were unmarried, you probably have concerns about his / her estate ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
What Happens to Child Support and Spousal Maintenance if You Cohabitate During or After Divorce? Couples going through a divorce are often unclear as to what legal effect, if any, moving in with a new partner will have on their legal rights. Most commonly, there is a concern that co-habitation (living with a new boyfriend or girlfriend in a ‘marriage-like’ arrangement) might affect a spousal maintenance award or the amount of child support that is to be paid or received. The following provides general information for ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
It should go without saying that a person must be legally married in order to obtain a divorce. If you are facing the prospect of separating from your spouse, but are unsure of the legal status of your marriage, you must determine whether your marriage was properly registered according the law of the state or country in which your marriage ceremony was performed. Review County Records In Washington State If you were married in the State of Washington, your marriage certificate must have been recorded with the ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
We’re in Love. Why Do We Need a Prenup? If you are part of a couple contemplating marriage, a prenuptial agreement (prenup) may be one of the last things on your mind. This is understandable, as no one usually seeks to marry intending for this relationship to be over one day. However, the belief that discussing or entering into a prenuptial agreement somehow equates to confidence the relationship will eventually end is misguided. Consideration of a prenuptial agreement can be an important step in the progression of your ...
Posted By
MCKINLEY IRVIN
Continue reading >>
-
There are situations when the assistance of a family law attorney can provide you with more options, better information, or other advantages that you may not have if you act on your own. Having someone on your side with a thorough understanding of the laws-and the ability to act quickly on your behalf-can sometimes make a significant difference. Here are a few examples of situations when an attorney is essential to get you the help you need. You’ve been served with divorce papers. If you have been served with divorce papers, ...
Posted By
McKinley Irvin
Continue reading >>
-
A Domestic Violence Protection Order (sometimes shortened to “DVPO” and sometimes referred to as a “restraining order”) is one of the primary tools offered by the court system to protect a victim (or potential victim) of domestic abuse. A domestic violence protection order can temporarily restrict contact between an abuser and his or her victim. If the order is not followed, serious civil and criminal sanctions may be imposed. Despite the usefulness and effectiveness of this remedy, many victims or potential victims are ...
Posted By
Jamie R. Walker
Continue reading >>
