Get WA RCW 26.60 2014-2024

(1) "State registered domestic partners" means two adults who meet the requirements for a valid state registered domestic partnership as established by RCW 26.60. 030 and who have been issued a certificate of state registered domestic partnership by the secretary. (2) "Secretary" means the secretary of state's office.

The most significant difference is that married couples have more rights to each other's property and income than domestic partners. For example, if one spouse dies, their inheritance will automatically pass to the other spouse instead of going into probate court as it would for a domestic partner.

The domestic partnership is a legal relationship between two people of the same or opposite sex who live together and share a domestic life, but are not married or joined by a civil union nor are blood relatives.

Under the new law, same-sex couples over the age of 18 and heterosexual couples in which one partner is over the age of 62 qualify for a domestic partnership. Eligible couples must also share a common residence. They cannot be closely related, married, or in a domestic partnership with another person.

The most significant difference is that married couples have more rights to each other's property and income than domestic partners. For example, if one spouse dies, their inheritance will automatically pass to the other spouse instead of going into probate court as it would for a domestic partner.

Domestic partners file separate federal tax returns Regardless of what state you live in, each domestic partner prepares a separate federal return based on the Allocation Worksheet that you attach to it. You might consider including an explanatory note to remind the IRS of your situation.

Under the new law, same-sex couples over the age of 18 and heterosexual couples in which one partner is over the age of 62 qualify for a domestic partnership. Eligible couples must also share a common residence. They cannot be closely related, married, or in a domestic partnership with another person.

If you want to have the same rights and responsibilities as a state-registered domestic partnership, then yes, you must register with the state. But you may still want to register with the City to get possible benefits from your employer that you will not get from the state law.