Domestic Partnerships

Seattle Area Domestic Partnership Lawyer

Complete Probate and Estate Planning Services
Jennifer C. Rydberg, Attorney at Law

New Domestic Partnership Law

In April 2007, Governor Christine Gregoire signed into law a measure to create domestic partnerships in Washington. The law will take affect in July 2007. The law will give gay and lesbian couples and senior heterosexual couples some of the same rights that come with marriage.

The law establishes a domestic-partnership registry and provides same-sex couples with such rights as hospital visitation, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations, and inheritance rights when there is no will. To be registered under the new law, couples have to share a home, not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18. Unmarried, heterosexual senior couples will also be eligible to register if one partner is at least 62.

If you have questions about the new domestic partnership law, contact an experienced family law lawyer to arrange a discreet consultation. Attorney Rydberg can explain the provisions of the new law and whether it applies to you. Call 425-235-5535 today.