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Spokane Civil Union Attorneys Near You

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How Does Washington Define a Civil Union?

In Washington State, civil unions are also referred to as state registered domestic partnerships (SRDP). As of June 30, 2014, the majority of Washington’s SRDPs were automatically converted to civil marriages.

The only exception to this conversion rule involves heterosexual and same-sex couples where at least one of the partners was aged 62 or older as of June 30, 2014. Our Spokane civil union lawyers are experienced in civil union matters. Call Twyford Law Office at (509) 327 0777 today or contact us online.

These couples were permitted to retain their state registered domestic partnerships to ensure seniors continued to receive their benefits, as social security and/or pension benefits are sometimes affected when an individual marries.

We have years of experience representing clients in cases involving Spokane child custody cases, child support, Spokane divorces, paternity, and more. Contact our Seattle law office, our Spokane office, or our Bellevue law office and learn how Twyford Law Office can help your case.

Divorcing or Dissolving an SRDP in Washington

A marriage or state-registered domestic partnership (SRDP) must be dissolved in court similar to that of dissolving a marriage (i.e. a divorce).

In order to divorce or dissolve an SRDP in Washington, at least one of the spouses or partners must reside within the state or be stationed in Washington as a member of the armed forces.

Divorce Filing Process

The divorce process is first initiated by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Washington is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means a party does not need to provide grounds for a marriage, other than an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.

Service of Process and Response: The petition must then be served to the opposing party, so they may have a chance to respond – either in agreement or to contest it.
Temporary Orders: When parties are unable to agree on financial matters or custody, temporary orders may be requested so that a judge can rule on these issues quickly. However, they are called temporary for a reason, in that they only last until the divorce is finalized.
Discovery: Each party then has a chance to gather all of the facts related to the case, known as “discovery.” the partners have the option to reach a settlement agreement by using an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or by going to trial.
ADR: An ADR refers to mediation, arbitration, or the collaborative process, which allows the parties to come to a mutually beneficial settlement outside of the courtroom.
Trial: In the event that the parties are unable to reach an amicable agreement, their dispute may be settled by a judge after a trial. Spouses who are unhappy with a judge’s decision can file an appeal.

In some cases, a couple may have the choice of filing for an annulment rather than a divorce, or in Washington a “declaration of invalidity.” In order to do so, there are specific grounds that must be met.

Dissolving as SRDP

For couples in Washington over the age of 62, who remained in an SRDP that they now wish to terminate, can be done in the following ways:

One of the partners passes away
One of the partners marries someone else
The partners no longer share a residence
One partner gives notice that they are ending the partnership

The dissolving of a domestic partnership in Washington State is treated similarly to a divorce in many ways. Couples must adhere to residency requirements, state property laws, and pay spousal or child support when necessary.

When the couple cannot agree on key matters, such as child custody, maintenance, and asset division, they will have to either mediate or litigate their differences. A domestic partnership would also end if one of the parties passes away.

Civil Union vs. Marriage Divorce

In Washington, divorcing a same-sex partner is not any different from divorcing a married spouse. Property acquired during the course of the civil union will be divided according to the same community property division laws that apply to marriages, meaning half of all assets and debts are owed to each partner.

Child support and maintenance may also be awarded; and any existing prenuptial or pre-civil union agreements will control to the extent that they are applicable and enforceable.

There are no longer a set of lawyers who specialize in civil unions and another set of lawyers who specialize in family law or marriage between couples of the opposite sex. Procedurally, the dissolution of a marriage and the dissolution of a civil union is identical.

History of Civil Unions/Domestic Partnerships in Washington

July 23, 2007

This day marks the first day that heterosexual and same-sex couples can register for a domestic partnership.

March 4, 2008

Washington lawmakers approve the addition of more than 170 rights and responsibilities to individuals in domestic partnerships; Governor Christine Gregoire signs the Bill on March 12, 2008. This new law becomes effective on June 12, 2008.

At this time, lawmakers who backed the legislation related to domestic partnerships state that their goal is to expand the marriage laws to include same-sex couples.

These lawmakers consider the creation of domestic partnerships as a step in that direction. Furthermore, Civil Marriage Equality Bills are introduced to encourage discussion.

Once the 2008 bill that expands Domestic Partnership Law is implemented, the benefits and responsibilities provided to domestic partners include:

Rights related to inheritance and administration.
Visitation, information-access rights, and the ability to make health care decisions.
Organ donation, burial, autopsy, disposition, and the right to claim wrongful death.
Statutes related to domestic violence now apply.
Domestic partners have the right to sue on the community’s behalf.
Dissolution and community property laws are now applicable.
Testimonial privileges in the courtroom.
Transference of certain properties between domestic partners will not be taxed.
Veterans’ benefits from the state apply.
Partners of elected and appointed officials are subject to the laws that married officials’ spouses must abide by.

Jan. 28, 2009

The “Everything but Marriage” Bill is introduced.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 intends to provide domestic partners with “Everything but Marriage.” This bill amends state laws, essentially making domestic partnerships (civil unions) equal to civil marriage.

May 18, 2009

Governor Gregoire signs the “Everything but Marriage Bill.”

Dec. 3, 2009

Washington voters approve the bill (53 percent to 47 percent), making the bill a law. This vote marks the first time that voters approve a statewide ballot measure extending relationship rights for individuals within the LGBT community.

Jan. 16, 2012

Senate Bill 6239 is introduced to amend RCW 26 – Domestic Relations. Besides legalizing same-sex marriage, State Registered Domestic Partnerships will be modified as well. This bill converts any undissolved domestic partnerships into marriages as long as both partners are under the age of 62.

Feb. 1, 2012

Senate Bill 6239 passes in the Senate (28 to 21).

Feb. 8, 2012

The House of Representatives passes HB 2516 (55 to 43), which is the companion bill to SB 6239.

Feb. 13, 2012

Governor Gregoire signs the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239; this Act changes the definition of civil marriage from male and female, or husband and wife, to simply two persons. The law was to take effect in June of 2012, but due to opposition from voters, the law was not enacted as scheduled.

Nov. 6, 2012

Voters approve Referendum 74 legalizing same-sex marriage. This law also addresses the automatic conversion of domestic partnerships to civil marriages on June 30, 2014, if such partnerships are not dissolved or already voluntarily converted prior to that date.

Dec. 6, 2012

Same-sex couples can legally marry in Washington.

June 26, 2015

The Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples can legally marry nationwide.

Marriage Requirements & Benefits in Washington

Both same-sex and heterosexual couples are required to obtain a marriage license. A marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance. If a couple does not marry within that timeframe, they must apply for another license.

Once the license is attained, the couple must wait at least three days to hold their wedding ceremony.

The marriage must be solemnized by an individual who is legally authorized to do so in the State of Washington. Furthermore, for the marriage to be valid, at least two witnesses must be present at the time nuptials are exchanged.

The federal benefits, responsibilities, and protections afforded to a married couple consisting of a male and female also apply to individuals in same-sex marriages.

Contact a Spokane Domestic Partnership Lawyer Today

If you reside in or near Spokane and are currently in a state registered domestic partnership or a civil marriage that you would like to dissolve, contact our office today.

The caring and compassionate family law attorneys at Twyford Law Office are here to help you through this difficult time.

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Twyford Law Office
430 West Indiana Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327 0777
(509) 652-2550