How do state laws of intestacy apply to domestic partners?

State laws of intestacy in Washington apply to domestic partners differently than they apply to married couples. Generally, if someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died intestate and the state will award their assets according to the rules of intestate succession. In Washington, if a person dies intestate without a surviving spouse, then their assets will be divided among their children, parents, and siblings. However, if a person dies intestate and has a surviving domestic partner, the domestic partner may be entitled to a portion of the other partner’s estate. In Washington, the definition of a domestic partner is quite specific and must be established before the partners’ deaths. A domestic partnership is defined as a relationship where two adults have lived together in a committed relationship, are not married or related by blood, and both are at least 18 years of age. In addition, both domestic partners must have signed a declaration of domestic partnership, and the document must be filed with the Washington Secretary of State. If a person dies intestate and their domestic partner meets the criteria, then the surviving domestic partner is entitled to a share of their partner’s estate. The amount of the share depends on the size of the estate and whether the deceased had any other surviving family members. In some cases, the surviving domestic partner may be entitled to the entire estate. It is important to note that these laws can change from time to time, so it is always best to consult an attorney or estate planner if you have any questions.

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How do state laws of intestacy apply to domestic partners?

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