Washington Domestic Partnerships Set to Become Legal Marriages

At the end of this month, thousands of same-sex couples in Washington state will become legally married – without having to do anything. As a result of a provision included in the 2012 state law that legalized same-sex marriages, all registered domestic partnerships will be automatically converted into marriages. The automatic shift will take place on June 30.

The news is welcomed by many same-sex couples and advocates across the state. According to the advocacy group Legal Voice, close to 3,000 domestic partnerships will officially become legal marriages. There is one exception: domestic partnerships in which one partner is over the age of 62 will not automatically become marriages. All couples were notified of the transition by state officials.

Couples who wish to opt out of the automatic switch and not become legally married will be required to end their domestic partnership, which will require the same legal process as dissolving a marriage. Couples will need to compile paperwork, file an action to dissolve the partnership, and must navigate other legal and personal matters.

At McKinley Irvin, our Washington family lawyers would like to congratulate the many couples who will be celebrating their legal marriages at the end of this month. As a firm that has long advocated for marriage equality, we offer our support and legal services to anyone who may require assistance with LGBT family law issues, including dissolving a domestic partnership. For more information, contact us today.