Legal Question in Family Law in District of Columbia

Gifts given in a relationship

Hi, I am a resident of the District of Columbia and have lived with my Fiance for the past 4 1/2 years. During the course of the relationship he has given me jewelry for Birthdays, Christmas, Anniversary, an engagement ring (almost 2years ago) and in August 07' he bought me an Apple MacBook (laptop). All were given as gifts. We had an argument this morning and demanded all the jewelry and the MacBook back and I told him no, I'm not giving back the gifts he gave me. He said he only let me ''borrow'' those items and that if he has the receipts he can take them. What are my rights? He has not paid one brown penny towards rent the entire time we've been together which roughly comes to $21,000 (his half of rent). Help!


Asked on 5/22/08, 4:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Gifts given in a relationship

Whether or not this apparent ingrate has or has not paid rent is irrelevant as to owns these personal items which you've referenced and were given to you as gifts: the law is clear; you own them and are not required to return them, irrespective of whether the giver (and apparent ingrate)still has the receipts for their purchase.

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Answered on 5/23/08, 9:17 am


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