Olver v. Fowler

*137¶1

Ellington, J.

— Washington common law applies equitable principles to determine ownership of property acquired during a meretricious relationship. Until they were killed in a car accident, the parties here shared such a relationship, raising a family, running a business, and owning property. The question here is whether equity applies to allocate the division of their property. Washington cases already apply the doctrine after death of one party. We hold it applies where both have died and affirm the probate court’s equitable division of property.

BACKGROUND

¶2 This case arises out of a tragic…