Recognition of a legal union.
RCW 26.04.260
in effectIf two persons in Washington have a legal union, other than a marriage, that: (1) Was validly formed in another state or jurisdiction; (2) Provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage; and (3) Does not meet the definition of domestic partnership in RCW 26.60.030 , then they shall be treated as having the same rights and responsibilities as married spouses in this state, unless: (a) Such relationship is prohibited by RCW 26.04.020 (1)(a) or (2); or (b) They become permanent residents of Washington state and do not enter into a marriage within one year after becoming permanent residents.
If two persons in Washington have a legal union, other than a marriage, that:
(1) Was validly formed in another state or jurisdiction;
(2) Provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage; and
(3) Does not meet the definition of domestic partnership in RCW 26.60.030 ,
then they shall be treated as having the same rights and responsibilities as married spouses in this state, unless:
(a) Such relationship is prohibited by RCW 26.04.020 (1)(a) or (2); or
(b) They become permanent residents of Washington state and do not enter into a marriage within one year after becoming permanent residents.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026