Thinking About Marriage or Moving In Together? Here’s What You Should Know About the Legal Implications

As you plan for your future with your partner, it's important to consider not just the emotional aspects of your relationship, but also the legal and financial ones. Whether you're preparing for marriage or planning to live together, understanding the legal implications of your relationship status can help you build a stronger foundation and avoid future conflict.

At Tailored Family Law, we guide individuals and couples through marriage planning, cohabitation agreements, and prenuptial agreements in Washington State, helping you create a life that aligns with your shared values.

Understanding the Legal Impact of Marriage in Washington State

Getting married doesn’t just change your last name—it changes your legal and financial rights. In Washington State, marriage automatically creates community property, which means that most income and assets acquired during the marriage are jointly owned—even if only one spouse earned or purchased them.

When you marry, these default rules apply unless you take proactive steps to define your own terms through a prenuptial agreement. Here are some of the key legal implications of marriage:

• Community Property Laws: Assets and income (including base pay, bonuses, commissions, RSUs) earned during the marriage are typically considered jointly owned.
• Debt Sharing: Both partners may be responsible for debts incurred during the marriage.
• Inheritance and Estate Rights: Spouses have automatic inheritance rights unless modified by a valid estate plan or prenup.
• Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Upon divorce, one spouse may be entitled to financial support from the other depending on factors like income disparity, length of marriage, and standard of living.

These laws were designed to protect spouses, but they may not reflect your personal values or financial goals. That’s where legal planning can make a significant difference.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement—and Why Should You Consider One?

A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a written contract between two people before they marry. It outlines how finances, assets, and debts will be managed during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death.

At Tailored Family Law, we frequently help couples craft prenuptial agreements that reflect their individual and shared priorities. A prenup can help you:

• Keep certain assets or income separate
• Set clear expectations for financial contributions
• Clarify debt responsibility
• Protect family businesses or inheritances
• Clarify expectations if the relationship ends

Far from being pessimistic, prenups offer couples an opportunity to start marriage with honest conversations about money, values, and future goals. It's not planning for divorce—it's planning for clarity and mutual respect.

Living Together? Why You Should Consider a Cohabitation Agreement

More and more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. But did you know that cohabiting partners can still face legal entanglements when they break up—especially if they’ve purchased property together, shared expenses, or combined finances?

In Washington, long-term cohabiting couples may be considered to have a Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR)—a legal doctrine that can allow courts to divide assets if the relationship ends. But without a marriage certificate or legal agreement, the rules are unclear—and disputes can be costly.

A cohabitation agreement (or living together agreement) is a smart legal tool for unmarried couples. It allows you to:

• Define ownership of property purchased during the relationship
• Determine how expenses and debts will be handled
• Clarify expectations if the relationship ends
• Avoid costly disputes over money or property

If you're living together or planning to buy a home jointly, it's wise to consult a Seattle cohabitation agreement attorney to create a plan that protects both of you.

Legal Planning Is a Sign of Respect—Not Distrust

It’s a common misconception that talking about prenups or legal agreements means you don’t trust your partner. In reality, these conversations demonstrate deep care, maturity, and foresight.

When couples proactively discuss money, goals, and expectations, they create a healthier dynamic that’s built on communication and trust. Whether you're planning to share a life through marriage or cohabitation, legal planning ensures you're starting out on the same page.

How Tailored Family Law Can Help

At Tailored Family Law, we offer a compassionate, personalized approach to relationship planning. Whether you're seeking legal advice before marriage or creating a cohabitation agreement, we’ll guide you through every step.

Our services include:

• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Cohabitation and living together agreements
• Legal advice for couples before marriage or buying a home together
• Customized legal planning tailored to your relationship

We believe legal planning can be a tool for clarity, alignment, and lasting connection.

Ready to Start Your Life Together with Clarity and Confidence?

If you're planning to marry or live together and want to build a strong legal foundation, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our Seattle family law attorneys to explore your options and get tailored guidance for your relationship.

📞 Call us today to book your appointment.