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Divorce (Dissolution)
The end of a marriage can be emotionally difficult. If both parties agree on all the terms, an uncontested dissolution may be an option. If agreement is not foreseeable, Washington state has steps to follow to finalize your divorce. This guide aims to provide some clarity on divorce in Washington state and the applicable laws.…
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Committed Intimate Relationship
What is a Committed Intimate Relationship? Some people may have heard of common-law marriage, where a couple presents themselves as married for a long time, creating a legal status of marriage without actually getting married. However, Washington State does not recognize common-law marriages. Instead, it recognizes a legal doctrine called “committed intimate relationship” (CIR). While…
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Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that declares an individual to manage the estate and final wishes of the deceased. If you pass away without drafting a valid Will, your preferences may not be fulfilled posthumously. If probate is necessary a Will will provide a smoother process to the individuals carrying out…
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SEPARATE PROPERTY VS. COMMUNITY PROPERTY
Washington state recognizes two major types of property ownership in the context of marriage: separate property and community property. It’s important to recognize the legal definitions of both property types, as well as the differences between the two. Separate property refers to property that was individually owned by one spouse individually before the marriage. Separate property…