In Washington State, relationships don't have to involve marriage to carry legal and financial consequences. If you’ve been in a long-term, marriage-like relationship without formally tying the knot, you may fall under what the law defines as a Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR). Understanding what a CIR is and how it may impact your rights and responsibilities is essential, especially when facing separation.

What is a Committed Intimate Relationship?

A CIR is a stable, long-term, marriage-like relationship between two individuals who live together and share their lives. It applies to couples who have not legally married but have functioned as a partnership similar to a marriage. Courts in Washington recognize CIRs to ensure fairness in resolving property and financial matters when such relationships end.

Determining a CIR: What Do Courts Look At?

Washington courts consider several factors when deciding if a relationship qualifies as a CIR:

Continuous Cohabitation: Whether the couple lived together continuously for a significant period.
Duration of the Relationship: Longer relationships are more likely to qualify as a CIR.
Purpose of the Relationship: Whether the relationship involved mutual support and a shared life, rather than merely cohabitation for convenience.
Pooling of Resources: Evidence of shared finances, joint bank accounts, co-ownership of property, or contributions to each other's assets.
Intent of the Parties: Statements, actions, or agreements showing an intention to function as a committed couple.

No single factor is decisive; the court considers the totality of circumstances to determine whether a CIR existed.

CIR vs. Marriage: Key Differences

While CIRs share similarities with marriage, there are significant differences:

No Formal Legal Process: CIRs do not require a legal marriage license or a formal divorce process to separate.
Limited Legal Protections: Unlike marriage, CIRs don’t automatically provide rights such as spousal support or inheritance rights.
Proof Burden: A party claiming a CIR must present evidence to demonstrate the existence of the relationship, which can be complex.

Can You Have a CIR Before Marriage?

Yes. In Washington, it is possible to have a divorce proceeding that also involves a CIR. For example, let’s say that you and your significant other met in college. After a few years of dating, you moved into the same apartment. Then a year later you bought a house together. Finally, a year later, you got married. It’s possible that – depending on the other factors – a Court might find that a CIR existed during this premarital relationship. In effect, some of the typical marital community property rights may have begun even before you got married. This can create a complicated financial dynamic.

Why Work with an Attorney in CIR Cases?

If you believe your relationship may qualify as a CIR, consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial. Here’s why:

Clarifying Your Rights: An attorney can help you understand your rights regarding property, finances, and other shared resources.
Proving (or Disputing) a CIR: Gathering evidence and presenting a case to the court can be challenging without legal guidance.
Protecting Your Assets: An attorney ensures your interests are represented in property division or other financial matters.
Navigating Complexity: If your situation involves both a CIR and a marriage, an attorney can help untangle the legal and financial implications.

Committed Intimate Relationships can significantly impact your rights and obligations during a separation. While not a marriage, a CIR may carry many of the same considerations regarding property and finances. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate these challenges, whether you’re seeking to prove a CIR or protect your interests. If you’re unsure whether your relationship qualifies as a CIR, call the law office of Magnuson Lowell PS today 425-800-0573 for a free telephone case evaluation.