topic Re: Returning rings in Community Chat

Returning rings

bargainsgirl — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:03:23 GMT

If a couple divorces, must the woman return the engagement ring? I always thought it was a gift and therefore you don't ask for gifts back.

Re: Returning rings

Bri369 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:07:21 GMT

It depends on the state they live in.

If the state allows it, the wife is entitled to keep the ring after divorce.

Re: Returning rings

suzyQ3 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:14:21 GMT

If the ring is given before the marriage, the person, in most cases, is legally required to return it. The ring is only in contemplation of marriage.

Once divorced, it can go two ways, depending upon the state. Either it is the recipient's property or it is community property, in which case the value would be apportioned to both.

Certain circumstances could affect the ruling.

Re: Returning rings

suzyQ3 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:15:06 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
If the ring is given before the marriage, the person, in most cases, is legally required to return it. The ring is only in contemplation of marriage.

Once divorced, it can go two ways, depending upon the state. Either it is the recipient's property or it is community property, in which case the value would be apportioned to both.

Certain circumstances could affect the ruling.

https://info.legalzoom.com/legally-return-engagement-ring-getting-divorced-24115.html

Re: Returning rings

Kachina624 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:17:53 GMT

I've never heard of a divorced woman returning a ring. She fulfilled her part of the deal when she married the guy. Why give it back?

Re: Returning rings

blackhole99 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:29:25 GMT

My son says he would spend 3 months salary on a diamond engagement ring, I can guarantee you, he'd want the ring considered as part of the settlement.

Re: Returning rings

beckyb1012 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:40:58 GMT

Never heard of a woman returning a wedding ring or the possibility of a requirement of such. I still have my engagement ring and the 10 year anniversary ring he bought me. Had it re-sized for a right hand ring. Now he did give me back his wedding ring thinking it would hurt me but I just tossed in my jewelry box for about 18 years and gave to my son a couple of years ago. The fool actually asked me for it back a couple of years after the divorce, I said Nope.

Re: Returning rings

chrystaltree — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:49:19 GMT

Like most things, it probably depends on the State. Some states probably do see engagement rings a gift that are given in anticipation of a marriage. If the marriage doesn't happen, the woman is required to return the ring. Other, states view engagement rings as gifts to women...period. The woman is not required to give it back. I read somewhere years ago, that men should not give an engagement ring to a woman on Christmas or Valentines Day or on her birthday because it can be construed as being just a gift. I don't think there are any state laws about this, I think it's how the state's courts look at it.

Re: Returning rings

Love my grandkids — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 20:48:50 GMT

I haven't read the other answers. In MOST states an engagement ring is given with the expectation of marriage.

If the marriage occurs, the woman keeps the ring, even if there is a divorce.

If the marrige does NOT take place, in MOST states, the ring must be returned.

Re: Returning rings

jnb0903 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 22:09:38 GMT

20 years ago I married a man who then chose to have various affairs. You bet your bottom I kept that darn ring. Then I pawned it to pay my divorce attorney.

I have remarried a wonderful (and faithful) man and I have kids and have a happy life. I do not regret a single choice I made.

If a couple mutually decided to end their marriage then they should just work out where the ring goes between themselves.

If a woman decides to end the marriage for her own reasons then she should indeed give the ring back.

Re: Returning rings

Desertdi — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 23:35:15 GMT

You gotta be kidding! My ex emptied my bank account

Re: Returning rings

depglass — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 14:54:38 GMT

I keep thinking of Jennifer Lopez and her collection of whopper rings. She could make a charm bracelet at this point. Does anyone follow stuff like this? Does she own all her rings or did she give them back?

Re: Returning rings

shoekitty — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 03:22:47 GMT

I don't know of anyone who would get a ring back AFTER a divorce. Unless they wanted to gove it back. . I do know an engagement is another thing. There are some states that have a statute that can have the ring returned. First an attorney would need to be hired. I suppose it depends how valuable the ring, and if it is an estate or heirloom ring where the family might want it back.

An engagement ring is a physical and monetary symbol of a promise of a future marriage. If the marriage is called off and never performed, some states do honor in law return of the ring. But after marriage? But anything is possible, especially if they are mad and vindictive and are willing to see an attorney.