Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Breaking off a wedding

I am in a situation where I recently broke off an engagement with my fiance`who lives in Maryland and I live in Pennsylvania. I broke it off due to irreconcilable differences. She currently has the ring and I asked for it back. She told me that she would like me to pay for ALL the wedding expenses, such as, reception hall, her dress and the photographer, etc. Once I did that she would send the ring back. My questions are: Am I responsible for 100% of the expenses because I broke off the wedding? What states law has jurisdiction? If I pay 50% of the expenses is she required by law to give me back the ring?


Asked on 10/11/07, 7:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Breaking off a wedding

There is no hard and fast rule of law on who is responsible for wedding expenses under these circumstances. Depending on how far off the wedding was scheduled, you ought to be able to recoup some of these expenses upon cancelling, other than perhaps deposits. As far as the vendors are concerned, you are both responsible. Legally she doesn't have to return the ring regardless of who pays for the wedding expenses, but in my opinion if she doesn't, you made a wise decision to break off the engagement. As far as which law governs, probably where the engagement took place, if that can be determined.

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Answered on 10/12/07, 9:39 am


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