Affirming and Protecting the Rights of Same Sex Couples
In recent years, several court cases have expanded the rights and responsibilities of same sex couples involved in long-term relationships. And with the enactment of the Domestic Partnership Act in 2007, gay and lesbian couples in Washington State now have significantly more rights than ever before.
The lawyers of Pierce Law Offices can assist couples who wish to affirm and protect their rights under the law. An attorney at our firm can explain your rights and create the legal documents that can protect those rights.
For a free phone consultation, call us at 206-587-3757.
Your Rights Under the Law
Under Washington law, same sex and non-married heterosexual couples can create a binding cohabitation agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the parties. A cohabitation agreement can be tailored to the particular needs of the parties, and can cover such things as separate property, living expenses, ownership of real estate, and other concerns. It can also provide for the disposition of property should the couple break up.
Pierce Law Offices can advise and represent you regarding these and other aspects of the law, including:
- Drafting, review, and enforcement of cohabitation agreements
- Property division disputes
- Co-parenting agreements
- Second parent adoptions
- Donor insemination agreements
- Surrogacy agreements
- Powers of attorney
- Rights under the Domestic Partnership Act
- And others
Seattle attorney Rodney G. Pierce has been a leader in the development of domestic partnership rights in Washington State. In a landmark case, Zion Construction v. Gilmore, he prevailed on behalf of a client who had been unfairly denied property following the breakup of a long-term relationship.
Pierce Law Offices is a strong advocate on behalf of same sex couples and individuals in same sex and live-in relationships. Our firm can create a cohabitation agreement that can protect your rights. That same cohabitation agreement can serve to strengthen your relationship and eliminate possible sources of contention by spelling out in clear terms each person's rights and responsibilities.
Should your relationship break up, we can use the law to affirm and protect your rights through assertive litigation on your behalf.
For a free phone consultation with Pierce Law Offices, call 206-587-3757, or contact us online.