Washington State Does Not Recognize Maine Domestic Partnerships — But Recognizes Maine Same-Sex Marriages

The Distinction Matters

• Maine Domestic Partnerships: Created 2004; available to same-sex & opposite-sex couples. Not recognized by Washington.
• Maine Same-Sex Marriages: Legalized 2012 (Question 1). Fully recognized by Washington since 2012 (Referendum 74) and nationally since Obergefell (2015).

Washington's Recognition Rules

Why the Difference?

• Washington's 2009 "Everything But Marriage" law (Ref 71) granted state-level rights to its own DPs — but did not create reciprocity for other states' DPs/CUs.
• Marriage = full faith & credit (constitutional). DP/CU = statutory, state-specific.
• Maine's DP law remains on books (for seniors 62+ and existing registrants) but is not portable to WA.

Practical Impact

• Hospital visitation, medical decisions: Not guaranteed in WA for Maine DP partners.
• Inheritance, property, taxes: WA treats as legal strangers.
• Solution: Marry (anywhere) → recognized everywhere. Or execute WA-specific advance directives, powers of attorney, wills.

Bottom Line

If you have a Maine domestic partnership, it does not transfer to Washington. If you married in Maine, it does. Plan accordingly.