Maine Recognizes Washington State Domestic Partnerships as Civil Unions

Yes. Under Maine law (19-A M.R.S. § 651), a valid domestic partnership legally formed in another jurisdiction (including Washington State) is recognized as the legal equivalent of a Maine civil union.

Legal Effect

• Partners receive all rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under Maine law granted to parties to a civil union.
• This includes: inheritance, medical decision-making, family leave, state tax filing jointly, property rights, wrongful death claims, and more.
• Not marriage: Maine legalized same-sex marriage in 2012 (Question 1). Domestic partnerships/civil unions remain distinct but carry near-identical state-level rights.

Requirements for Recognition

• The out-of-state partnership must be valid where created (WA: registered with Secretary of State, both parties ≥18, not married/partnered elsewhere, sharing common residence).
• No re-registration in Maine required.
• Proof: Certified copy of WA registration + affidavit if requested.

Context

• Washington State: Domestic partnerships (2007) originally for same-sex couples + opposite-sex ≥62. After marriage equality (2012), only ≥62 opposite-sex couples can newly register; existing same-sex partnerships converted to marriages or remain.
• Maine: Domestic partnership registry (2004, limited rights) → Civil unions (2019, LD 1522) → Marriage equality (2012, affirmed 2015). Current law honors out-of-state DPs as civil unions.

Couples moving from Washington to Maine (or vice versa) should consult an LGBTQ+-competent attorney for estate planning, benefits coordination, and federal implications (Social Security, taxes, immigration).