Committed Intimate Relationships

Our committed intimate relationship separation lawyers provide expert legal advice for all aspects of divorce, including child custody, support and property division. Call us today or schedule a no-obligation case evaluation.

Committed Intimate Relationships
blurb violet blurb violet
blurb pink blurb pink

Experienced Seattle Divorce Lawyers

When a committed long-term relationship comes to an end, it can be emotionally devastating and the financial implications can be confusing. ‘Common law marriage’ isn’t applicable in Washington state, but the courts do recognize ‘committed intimate relationships’ where a couple can prove they have lived together for a long time in a ‘marriage-like’ relationship, and give them similar rights to married couples when it comes to asset division and custody. There are some marked differences though, including the lack of tax benefits and inability to award attorney fees in these cases.

The Hemmat Law Group has worked on thousands of separation cases, and understands how confusing and upsetting it can be after the breakdown of a committed intimate relationship. Our compassionate lawyers can work with you as you separate from a long-term partner to make the process easier and to make sure you are treated fairly. Get in touch with us to discuss your options.

Learn more

Key Considerations for Committed Intimate Relationships

Marriage is not always required for legal rights – Washington law may recognise certain long-term unmarried relationships as committed intimate relationships, giving rise to legal claims regarding property acquired during the relationship.

Property division can be complex – Homes, investment accounts, businesses, retirement savings, and other assets acquired during the relationship may need to be carefully reviewed to determine each person’s legal interests.

Every relationship is different – Courts consider a range of factors when determining whether a committed intimate relationship exists. No single factor determines the outcome, and every case depends on its own circumstances.

Experienced legal guidance can make a difference – Our Seattle family law attorneys help clients understand their rights, evaluate their options, and work toward practical resolutions through negotiation or litigation where necessary.

Give our Committed Intimate Relationship lawyer in Seattle a call today to schedule a consultation.

Trusted by Employees from Seattle’s Leading Organizations

We regularly represent professionals, executives, and families from many of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognized companies, including Meta, Microsoft, Apple, NVIDIA, and the University of Washington.

Apple company logo displayed in black with its brand name | Hemmat Law Group
Amazon logo featuring the signature smile arrow underneath | Hemmat Law Group
University of Washington logo displayed in purple and gold | Hemmat Law Group
Microsoft logo with four-color square and company wordmark | Hemmat Law Group
Meta company logo displayed with blue infinity symbol branding | Hemmat Law Group
NVIDIA logo displayed with its recognizable green eye mark | Hemmat Law Group
Oracle company logo shown in its distinctive red branding | Hemmat Law Group
Alaska Airlines logo displayed in its blue branded wordmark | Hemmat Law Group
Intel company logo displayed in simple black brand lettering | Hemmat Law Group
Marcus and Millichap company logo displayed in blue and white | Hemmat Law Group
Nintendo logo displayed in its classic red wordmark style | Hemmat Law Group
Strix Leviathan logo displayed in its dark branded wordmark | Hemmat Law Group
Bungie company logo displayed in dark minimalist lettering | Hemmat Law Group
Kaiser Permanente logo in blue with people and sun icon | Hemmat Law Group
LinkedIn logo displayed in its familiar blue wordmark style | Hemmat Law Group
Valve company logo displayed in its black wordmark style | Hemmat Law Group
Salesforce logo shown inside its recognizable blue cloud | Hemmat Law Group
JPMorgan Chase company logo shown in black brand lettering | Hemmat Law Group
Boeing company logo displayed in its official brand design | Hemmat Law Group
Nordstrom logo displayed in a clean black wordmark style | Hemmat Law Group
Pinterest logo displayed in its recognizable red wordmark | Hemmat Law Group
Providence health services logo shown in blue and green branding | Hemmat Law Group
Port of Seattle logo displayed in blue and green branding | Hemmat Law Group

What can Hemmat Law help you with?

Happy, kiss and hug on mothers day in living room sofa, love and relaxing together in Australia family home. Young girl, smile parent and happiness, quality time and care on lounge couch for fun

Child Support and Parenting Plans

Parents have a right to see their children prosper in a safe and secure environment. The Hemmat Law Group work with people to make sure that divorce parenting plans and child support agreements consider the best interests of those involved. Hemmat family lawyers will act to ensure that your divorce parenting plans are robust and fair.

Learn more
Close-up of man removing his wedding ring | Hemmat Law Group

High-Asset Divorce

Hemmat Law handles high-asset divorce cases for clients in Seattle where detailed financial analysis, discretion, and strategic negotiation are essential. The firm works with complex marital estates that may include real estate portfolios, business interests, investments, stock compensation, and retirement accounts, with a focus on accurate valuation and fair division.

Learn more
Parent speaking with a child during a serious family discussion | Hemmat Law Group

Parental Alienation

Managing co-parenting circumstances can be difficult and contentious. If one parent attempts to distort a child’s relationship with the other, speaking badly of them, blocking them from seeing them or other manipulative behaviours, Washington state courts take this parental alienation seriously, and so do Hemmat’s parental alienation lawyers…

Learn more
Same-sex couple relaxing with their dog and laptop at home | Hemmat Law Group

LGBTQ Family Law

Hemmat Law represents LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Seattle in a wide range of Washington family law matters. The firm handles divorce, custody and parenting plans, surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and parental rights issues, providing informed, respectful, and inclusive legal representation.

Learn more
Unhappy couple standing apart against a pink background | Hemmat Law Group

Divorce and Separation

A divorce can be one of the most stressful, challenging experiences anyone can go through in life. Hemmat Law’s divorce and family lawyers have decades of experience working with clients across Seattle and throughout the state of Washington. They are committed to making the process as easy to navigate as possible…

Learn more
Woman raising her hand to signal stop against harassment | Hemmat Law Group

Anti-Harassment & Protective Orders

Everyone across Washington deserves to feel safe and secure in their daily affairs. Whether you need help with stalking, domestic violence or neighbor disputes, if you or a loved one need to ensure the whole story is fairly considered by the judicial system, the Hemmat Law Group family lawyers are here to help.

Learn more
Mother pushing her laughing child on a playground swing | Hemmat Law Group

Custody and Support

Whether you are currently, formerly, or never married, parents have a right to see their children prosper in a safe and secure environment. Hemmat Law’s experienced child custody lawyers help parents through the details with compassionate and knowledgable guidance…

Learn more
Father laughing and playing with his two children on a sofa | Hemmat Law Group

Father’s Rights

As a child’s legal father, you have the same legal rights as your child’s mother, including participation in hearings and the right to representation. The Hemmat Law Group’s father’s rights lawyers work will work with you to clearly explain your responsibilities and help you fight to protect your rights…

Learn more
Parent speaking with a child during a serious family discussion | Hemmat Law Group

Parental Alienation

Managing co-parenting circumstances can be difficult and contentious. If one parent attempts to distort a child’s relationship with the other, speaking badly of them, blocking them from seeing them or other manipulative behaviours, Washington state courts take this parental alienation seriously, and so do Hemmat’s parental alienation lawyers…

Learn more
The Hemmat Law Group is proud to have been trusted by thousands of clients in Seattle to represent them. View customer reviews.
Sample Image
We serve clients across Seattle and beyond, including

Consultation Form

Sample Image
Sample Image

Trends Report

Hemmat Law conducted the biggest Family Law secret shop ever performed in Washington, assessing 400 organizations to create the most comprehensive look into the state of the Washington family law landscape.

Person reviewing a Hemmat Law Group Trends Report booklet | Hemmat Law Group

Frequently Asked Questions About Committed Intimate Relationships

What is a committed intimate relationship?

A committed intimate relationship (CIR) is a legal concept recognised in Washington for certain unmarried couples who have shared a long-term, marriage-like relationship. If the relationship meets specific legal criteria, the court may divide certain property acquired during the relationship in a fair and equitable manner.

How does a court determine whether a relationship is a committed intimate relationship?

Washington courts consider several factors, including the duration of the relationship, whether the couple lived together continuously, the purpose of the relationship, how finances and property were managed, and the intent of both partners. No single factor is determinative.

Is property divided the same way as in a divorce?

Not necessarily. While there are similarities, committed intimate relationship claims are different from divorce proceedings. Courts generally focus on property acquired during the relationship rather than applying all of the rules that govern married couples.

Can I make a claim if my name is not on the property?

Possibly. The fact that property is titled in one person’s name does not automatically determine ownership rights. The court may consider financial contributions, the nature of the relationship, and other relevant evidence.

What kinds of property can be involved?

Committed intimate relationship cases may involve homes, investment accounts, retirement savings, businesses, vehicles, personal property, and other assets acquired during the relationship.

What if we have children together?

Issues involving children, including parenting plans, child custody, and child support, are handled separately from determining whether a committed intimate relationship exists. Our attorneys can assist with all aspects of your family law matter.

Can we resolve a committed intimate relationship dispute without going to court?

Yes. Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Reaching an agreement outside of court can often reduce costs, save time, and provide greater certainty for both parties.

Why should I choose Hemmat Law for a committed intimate relationship matter?

Hemmat Law has extensive experience helping individuals and families throughout Seattle and Washington resolve complex family law and property disputes. We provide practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances and work to protect your financial interests while pursuing fair and efficient resolutions.

You might also be interested in

Emerging Tech & Digital Privacy Guide: Guide to Using AI & ChatGPT in Washington Divorces

Find out how to avoid the pitfalls of using AI during a divorce or separation in Washington State with our comprehensive guide.

Read More

The Complete Guide to Divorce and Separation in Seattle

Find out all about what to expect when going through divorce and separation in Washington State with our comprehensive guide.

Read More

The Complete Guide to Domestic Violence and Protection Orders (within Family Law) in Seattle

Find out about protection orders and domestic violence protection in Family Law in our comprehensive guide.

Read More
Sample Image
Sample Image

We know that good people can find themselves in bad situations

and that these situations can be confusing to work through. Our Divorce and Relationship Counselor is available to help. Find our more about our counseling services here.

Sample Image
Sample Image

Talk to a Seattle CIR Lawyer

If you’re considering a separation, and are in a committed intimate relationship, the decisions you make today can shape your financial security for years to come.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or you’re ready to move forward, The Hemmat Law Group can help you understand your rights and make informed decisions.

Schedule your confidential case evaluation today and speak with an experienced Seattle Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR) attorney.

Hemmat Law team group photo outdoors | Hemmat Law Group
Sample Image
Sample Image

Family Law Knowledge Center

Learn More About Washington Family Law in our Learning Center, with complete guides to Divorce & Separation, Technology, AI & Digital Privacy, Family Law FAQs, Washington Family Law Research, calculators and more.

Woman holding 'Learning Center' book on lap | Hemmat Law Group
Proudly powered by