Same Sex Marriage And The Automatic Conversion Of The Registered Domestic Partnership In Washington State

On November 6, 2012, Washington voters approved (53.7%) Referendum Measure No. 74, allowing people of the same sex to legally marry in Washington State.  Nine states plus Washington, D.C., allow same sex marriage.

Prior to Referendum 74, people of the same sex could register with the Secretary of State as “State registered domestic partners” provided certain criteria was met as set forth under RCW 26.60.  With the passing of Referendum 74, same sex couples no longer have to register as domestic partners.

Not only did Referendum 74 grant people of the same sex the right to marry, the law provides that, as of June 30, 2014, same sex—state registered domestic partnership will automatically be converted to marriage without any action by the couple provided the couple had not already married following the effective date of Referendum 74 (December 6, 2012) and provided the partnership is not in the process of dissolution, annulment or legal separation.

Beresford Booth (425.776.4100), www.beresfordlaw.com

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