Unmarried and Sharing a Home in Whatcom County? Here’s What to Know
If you’re in a relationship that is not a legal marriage and you own a home together, are thinking about buying a home together, or one of you moved into a home the other already owned, this post is for you.
This comes up more often than people realize for homeowners in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County. In many cases, the home is the single largest shared asset in the relationship. When expectations are not clearly defined, real estate can become the source of stress, conflict, or expensive legal disputes later.
This is not about assuming a relationship will fail. It is about clarity, fairness, and good planning around property ownership.
Why This Matters for Bellingham and Whatcom County Homeowners
In my work with sellers and buyers locally, I regularly see couples who have built significant equity together without ever putting their agreements in writing.
Common situations:
One partner owned the home before the relationship and the other contributed to mortgage payments or improvements
Both partners are on title, but one provided most or all of the down payment
One partner wants to sell and the other does not
A breakup happens right before or during the process of selling a home
When emotions are running high and money is involved, verbal understandings often fall apart. At that point, the house becomes a problem instead of an asset.
Living Together Does Not Automatically Create Legal Protection
Washington State does not recognize common law marriage.
Living together, even for many years, does not automatically give both partners equal rights to a home or to the equity in that home. Courts look at facts, intent, contributions, and written agreements. They do not rely on assumptions like “we always said we would split it evenly.”
This is especially important when real estate is involved because property decisions are not easily reversed. Once a home is purchased, sold, refinanced, or improved, the financial consequences are real and lasting.
Real Estate Scenarios Where Problems Commonly Arise
Here are a few situations I see regularly as a Realtor in Bellingham and Whatcom County:
One partner buys a home, the other moves in, and both contribute to payments or remodeling. Years later, the relationship ends and there is no agreement about whether those contributions created ownership or reimbursement rights.
Two partners buy a home together, but contribute very different amounts financially. When it comes time to sell, they disagree on how proceeds should be divided.
A couple prepares to sell a home and only then realizes they never discussed who decides on pricing, repairs, or timing.
In all of these cases, the lack of clarity creates delays, stress, and often unnecessary legal expense.
What a Living Together Contract Is, in Plain English
A Living Together Contract is a written agreement between unmarried partners that spells out how property and finances are handled.
When real estate is involved, it can clarify things like:
Who owns the home and in what percentages
What happens to the home if the relationship ends
How equity is divided if the home is sold
How contributions to mortgage payments, repairs, or improvements are treated
The purpose is not to make things complicated. The purpose is to make expectations clear while everyone is still on good terms.
Why This Matters Before Buying or Selling a Home
From a real estate perspective, clear agreements make everything easier.
Homes sell more smoothly when ownership and decision making authority are clear. Buyers feel more confident when sellers are aligned. Partners are better able to make rational decisions instead of emotional ones.
I often say that we do not have to agree on every outcome, but we do need to agree on a process. Having things in writing ahead of time supports exactly that.
Where to Learn More About Living Together Contracts in Washington
Washington Law Help has a clear, plain language guide on Living Together Contracts, including what they are, what they can cover, and how they work under Washington law.
You can read more here:
Coming Up Next
In the next post, I will walk through how Living Together Contracts specifically protect real estate equity, including buying a home together, moving into a home one partner already owns, and planning ahead for a future sale.
If you are buying, selling, or thinking about your next move and want to talk through how real estate decisions intersect with real life situations like this, I am always happy to be a calm, practical guide.
