Expert Advice When You Need It Most

Married in Canada but both U.S. Citzens and live in WA state...does WA law apply if we were going to get divorced?

Asked over 2 years ago - Seattle, WA

Both my husband and I are born U.S. citzens and live in Washington state. We got married in Vancouver, Canada just because we wanted a destination wedding. So we have a Canadian marriage license, and never obtained a U.S. marriage license. Since we both still live in Washington but have a canadian marriage license, does WA state law still apply? Such as everything is considered community property even though we got married in Canada? Thanks

Flag

Save

Share with:

Attorney answers (1)

L. Maxwell Taylor

Reputation Level 17

Answered over 2 years ago. Appeals Lawyer in Middlebury, VT.

Flag

I'm not licensed in either Washington or British Columbia, so don't take this as legal advice. The general principle is that if you divorce, the law that is going to apply is almost certainly going to be the law of your and your husband's domicile. Since you're domiciled in Washington ("domicile" = legal residence plus intent to stay), and were at the time of the marriage, I don't think the location of the ceremony or where the license was obtained would, in the event of a divorce, be significant.

It's possible a Washington-licensed lawyer might disagree. If you need legal advice, please consult one.

Good luck.

Mark as good answer

Add comment