If you have lived with your partner for a significant period of time, Vancouver, Washington divorce attorneys understand that there is no precise formula to determine if the relationship meets the standards of a meretricious relationship.
Courts will generally review the following:
- Continuous cohabitation
- The length of the relationship
- The purpose of the relationship
- Whether the couple pooled resources and services for joint projects, and
- The intent of the parties
Once a court determines the existence of a meretricious relationship, then the rights and duties of unmarried cohabitants are now similar to those of married couples. This includes:
- A duty to support their children
- Property ownership rights
- Debt and liability responsibilities
There are, however, a few major differences. This includes:
- No legal duty to provide financial support to one another during or after the relationship
- No tax benefits
There are three major issues that arise when an unmarried couple ends their relationship:
- Dividing assets or property
- Paying debts
- Determining child custody and child support
These issues may become very complicated. For your protection and the protection of your children, you will want to contact a qualified Vancouver, WA family lawyer.
A family attorney can help you with child-related issues based on the child support guidelines in the state of Washington.
Lambert Law, PLLC is an experience law firm which understands the new same-sex marriage equality bill that was signed into law February 13, 2012.
The law, which allows same-sex couples to wed, took effect on December 6, 2012. Same-sex marriages have been taking place in Washington since December 9, 2012.
Cohabitation laws for same sex couples should also be the same as for other couples. A family attorney can help you sort your situation.
Call a qualified Vancouver, WA family law office today. (360) 737-1473