Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Living together, Common Law, Rights

We have shared our lives for 7 years, I have moved in and out several times, however, this is my home also, verbal agreements made for my return home were always broken. I have returned for the last time with understanding from both of us I will not leave home and trust that things would work out, once again broken words. I write my flustration down, my reasoning, justification, just to get it out, let go and move on. I have learned that nothing is in my name, nothing to show but writings of mine and some from him, of creating a home together. A life long relationship..I am almost broken and at loss..There is so much more to explain. I don't know what my stance is on living together, common law. I don't know the law, but I do know commitment, and I feel ashamed to have allowed myself to beaten down again. I am still in hope, but it's almost un-repairable. What can I do to help protect myself, and save what self worth I have left?


Asked on 2/07/08, 11:42 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Living together, Common Law, Rights

There is no common law marriage in Washington State (unless you established a marriage under common law as applied in another State in which you resided). There are however, rules to address how to divide property of the type of relationship you describe, although presumptions are not set up to find the equivalent of community property, that does not preclude your proving your contribution to properties. If the parties cannot agree on how to divide property this is not litigation for the amateur, get an attorney.

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Answered on 2/08/08, 5:52 pm
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Living together, Common Law, Rights

There is no common law marriage in Washington State (unless you established a marriage under common law as applied in another State in which you cohabited). There are however, rules to address how to divide property, although presumptions are not set up to find the equivalent of community property, that does not preclude your proving your contribution to properties. If the parties cannot agree on how to divide property this is not litigation for the amateur, get an attorney.

Read more
Answered on 2/08/08, 6:12 pm


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