Unmarried Couples | Multi-Family Vacation Property
Jennifer C. Rydberg, Washington State Estate Planning Lawyer
Whether you are protecting your own rights, or want to ensure assets pass to your partner upon your death, it is important to draft a property agreement that will be recognized under state law. Jennifer C. Rydberg has nearly 30 years of experience as an estate planning attorney. She works closely with clients to draft agreements that reflect their desires while complying with Washington State law.
If you are in a non-traditional relationship, domestic partnership, or entering any agreement regarding ownership of property between two or more parties, contact Ms. Rydberg's Kent, Washington, office at 425-235-5535 to schedule a consultation. She welcomes any clients of the Seattle and Puget Sound area.
Domestic Partnership or "Meretricious Relationship"
Washington State does not recognize gay marriage, nor are unmarried same-sex couples allowed to enter community property agreements. However, Washington courts do extend the doctrine of community property to meretricious or "marriage-like" relationships. In the absence of a will, property would be divided similar to a divorce. This applies to same-sex couples in long-term relationships, or heterosexual couples living together but not legally married. Homestead rights and spousal maintenance (alimony) are not available in meretricious relationships.
A property agreement -- as part of a domestic partnership agreement or between any two people living together -- clearly states the intentions of each party in the event of a break-up or death. Jennifer C. Rydberg has the knowledge of state laws regarding inherited property, meretricious relationships, domestic partnerships, and same-sex partnerships to draft the agreement in a way most likely to be recognized and respected by the court.
Multi-Family Vacation Property
Another common scenario for property agreements is multiple ownership of a cabin or vacation home. Perhaps Grandpa owned the property and the children and grandchildren want to keep it in the family. Ms. Rydberg can draw up a property agreement and help family members organize a family limited liability company (LLC) to own and maintain the property. The agreement may set out equal responsibilities for the owners (payments, taxes, upkeep) or divide the interests and obligations as the parties wish.
Protect your interests and reduce the risk of family squabbles. Contact Jennifer C. Rydberg, Attorney-at-Law to discuss a property agreement that addresses inheritance on your preferred terms. Call 425-235-5535 to speak directly with an estate planning lawyer serving the Kent and Seattle area since 1978.
