Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas
Engagement Ring
My fiance broke off the engagement and says the ring I
gave to her when I proposed is hers. I live in Kansas.
I think it is mine looking at a 1997 Kansas Supreme
Court ruling. She says she heard something on NPR
radio saying the law has changed.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Engagement Ring
In a 1997 case, the Kansas Court did find as a matter of law that since the engagement ring was given in contemplation of marriage, the marriage itself is a condition precedent to the ultimate ownership of the ring. Since the parties did not perform the condition of marriage, the purchaser is entitled to the return of the ring. The Court further found that the issue of who ended the relationship is not determinative of the ownership of the ring.
The Court did not say this was an absolute ruling. Other factors might change the outcome of a particular case.
Consult an experienced family law attorney. We are here to help.