Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Mediation/Separation

My friend and her boyfriend have been together for 10 years, have a house and child together. They are now splitting up. Where should she start? What should the following steps be?


Asked on 9/24/08, 2:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thuong-Tri Nguyen Thuong-Tri Legal Services, PLLC

See an attorney

Unless your friend has a valid civil marriage or a common law marriage formed in a state that allows the formation of common law marriages, they are not married with each other even though lived a long time together and have a child together.

However, because they have a child together, there are issues of child support and parenting plan.

Also, if they live in WA, they likely have what is called a meretricious relationship. People who live together like husband and wife may have a meretricious relationship that allows them property rights like those of a married couple.

Your friend should review her facts and options with an attorney.

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Answered on 9/24/08, 2:37 pm


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