Legal Question in Family Law in California

Engagement Ring Ownership Upon Breakup

My fiance recently postponed/cancelled our wedding. A few days later we decided to end the relationship.

The issue of the engagement ring has come up. I believe that the law in California is clear and that I should be entitled to the ring or the value of the ring.

She has refused to return the ring. She has also stated that if we go to court that she will claim that the ring was lost.

What impact, if any, would this claim of a lost ring have on my case?

Where can I research similar cases?


Asked on 12/10/02, 4:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Martin Lathrop Russakow, Ryan & Johnson

Re: Engagement Ring Ownership Upon Breakup

If you really think it is worth it, you can try to take her to small claims on a breach of contract theory-although you will probably run into a statute of frauds problem-and claim you gave her the ring in return for her marrying you. The court will probably give her the ring no matter what arguments are made. My advice to you is to try to negotiate the ring from her after allowing some time for things to cool down-Lath

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Answered on 12/10/02, 6:06 pm


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