The Engagement Ring & Other Gifts

Sometimes engagements don't last all the way to the day of the wedding. In this scenario, what happens to the engagement ring if an engagement is broken? Does the receiver of the ring get to keep it, or is it required that the ring be returned? The law in Massachusetts is as follows.

Donor: Makes the gift, the giver or the gift
Donee: Recipient of the gift

Donor has the right to take the ring back if:

  1. It was given on the condition that there would be a marriage (no marriage, no ring) AND...

  2. He/She did not unlaterally break the engagement (call it off) OR engage in conduct justifying the engagement to be broken by the donee.

*If anything else happens (abuse, intoxication, etc.) the donee has the right to keep the ring. The ring is given on a rebuttable presumption, that is, given on the condition that there is to be a marriage.

What about other gifts given during the engagement period?

The law is almost the same as the ring, but differs in the presumption, which is that gifts are given with no strings attached. It is presumed that gifts are given without the condition of a marriage, and without specification the recipient would be entitled to any gifts given during the engagement.

Disclaimer: The information found on this site is not, and should not be considered, professional legal advice.
Always consult a professional before taking any sort of legal action.