What are the property rights of unmarried couples in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. does allow the creation of a “common law” marriage, a relationship in which a couple lives together but have not participated in a lawful ceremony. Unlike some other states, in Washington, D.C. a couple can acquire marital rights and responsibilities by living together for a particular period of time. Cohabitation generally means two unmarried people in a relationship living together. It may be a casual, temporary relationship, an experiment in living together preceding marriage, or a more permanent alternative to marriage. To purchase a Marital Separation Agreement bundled with Legal Advice, click here. Granat Legal Services, P.L.L.C. 1629 K Street, N.W., Suite 300 Washington, D.C.
