Committed Relationships

Washington does not recognize common law marriage; however, the court has crafted the committed intimate relationship doctrine for people who are in established relationships and acquire property while in the relationship. This may apply even if the property is not in your name. We can help you determine whether you may have been in what the court considers a committed intimate relationship. If the court finds you were in a committed intimate relationship, the court may establish yours or your partners rights to property acquired during the relationship.