Getting Married in Washington State: Legal Guide for Couples

In Washington state, you must apply for a marriage license at any county clerk's office. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID. The license costs approximately $67 (fees vary by county). There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after receiving your license before you can get married, and the license is valid for 60 days after issuance.

While optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities. In Washington (a community property state), assets acquired during marriage are generally considered jointly owned. To be enforceable, both parties should have independent legal counsel, full financial disclosure, and sign well before the wedding date (ideally at least 30 days prior).

Marriage automatically changes certain inheritance rights in Washington. Update your will to reflect your new marital status and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, Washington intestacy laws determine asset distribution, with your spouse receiving a significant portion of your estate.

This document designates someone (typically your spouse) to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. In Washington, this document should comply with RCW 11.125.410. While marriage doesn't automatically grant this authority, spouses are typically given priority if no document exists.

This document authorizes someone (typically your spouse) to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. In Washington, this should comply with RCW 11.125. Consider including specific powers related to real estate, banking, and tax matters.

Marriage doesn't automatically change beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or other financial accounts. Review and update all beneficiary designations to include your spouse if desired. In Washington, some retirement accounts may require spousal consent to name someone other than your spouse as beneficiary.

If either spouse wishes to change their name, you can indicate this on your marriage license application. After marriage, you'll need your certified marriage certificate to update your name with Social Security, DMV, passport office, and other institutions. In Washington, marriage is considered legal documentation for a name change.

While not legally required, many couples open joint bank accounts after marriage. In Washington, joint accounts are owned equally by both spouses regardless of contribution amounts. Consider maintaining some separate accounts alongside joint ones for personal expenses.

Marriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of open enrollment periods. You typically have 30-60 days after your wedding to make these changes. Check with your employer's HR department or insurance provider for specific requirements and deadlines.

Marriage affects your tax filing status and potentially your tax liability. In Washington (which has no state income tax), this primarily affects federal taxes. Determine whether filing jointly or separately is more advantageous based on your incomes, deductions, and credits. Consider consulting a tax professional.

While not required, couples may choose to add their spouse to vehicle titles. In Washington, this requires completing a title application at the Department of Licensing with both parties present. Consider the implications for insurance coverage and liability.

Washington is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned regardless of whose name is on the title. Consider how you want to title real estate and other major assets. For property owned before marriage, consider whether to keep it separate or convert to community property.