Washington Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Licenses marriages for same-sex couples? No.
Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions? No.
Washington law states: “Marriage is a civil contract between a male and a female who have each attained the age of 18 years, and who are otherwise capable. … Marriages in the following cases are prohibited: when the parties are persons other than a male and a female. … A marriage between two persons that is recognized as valid in another jurisdiction is valid in this state only if the marriage is not prohibited or made unlawful under subsection 1(c) of this section.” This law was upheld by the state Supreme Court in July 2006.
Any form of statewide relationship recognition for same-sex couples? Yes.
In 2007 the state legislature passed a law establishing a domestic partner registry. Registered couples can, among other things, inherit a deceased partner’s property if he or she dies without a will, be named a representative to administer a deceased partner’s estate, visit a partner in the hospital on the same terms as a spouse, and receive the same power of attorney rights as a spouse.
Citation: Public Law Number 156, SB 5336 (2007).
Washington Domestic Partners
Washington’s domestic partner registry law went into effect July 22, 2007
Benefits
Registered domestic partners are eligible for limited rights, including:
- Inheritance without a will
- power of attorney
- hospital visitation on same terms as a spouse
Eligibility
State law requires that to register as domestic partners, among other things, both partners must:
- share a common residence;
- not already be married or in a registered domestic partnership with someone else and
- be at least 18 years old if a same-sex couple (one partner must be at least 62 years old in an opposite sex couple).
To obtain the Declaration of Domestic Partnership form, visit a local municipal office or download a copy from the state website.
The legal information provided on this page is provided as a courtesy to the public. It is not designed to serve as legal advice. HRC does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Last Updated: 10/25/2007