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Neighbor News

Time To Buy or Sell THE Ring!

Etiquette stipulates that an engagement ring should be returned when a wedding is called off regardless of who broke the engagement. The legal system doesn't necessarily agree.Issues to consider include:

  • Where you live.
  • How you received the engagement ring.
  • Who broke the engagement.
The following states require the return of the engagement ring irrespective of the reason for the engagement break up. They are:
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Wisconsin
In the following states the bride can keep the ring if her fiancee breaks the engagement. Conversely, if she is the one to break the engagement, the groom is entitled to its return.
  • California
  • Texas
  • Washington
Only Montana allows the bride to keep the ring under any and all circumstances.


*If you expect to give a family heirloom as an engagement ring, legal experts recommend having a prenuptial agreement that lists who will keep the engagement ring in the event of a break up.

What entitlements do you have if you are married?
Who has rights to the engagement ring if the marriage happens and is later dissolved?

Once the marriage happens, the ring belongs to the recipient. As a general rule, an engagement ring is not an asset that is subject to equitable distribution in a divorce.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
www.DivorceInfomationNOW.com
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