Engagement ring

North Carolina Divorce Law Divorce and Separation Answers
1

Dear Diana Taylor:

Greetings. Yes, the ring is a contract to get married that if broken becomes the property of the giver again, regardless of who broke the contract and why.

I do not practice real estate law, but I highly doubt that you can repossess your house. Good luck.

Janet L. Fritts
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm

4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.256.1665 direct fax

301 McCullough Drive Suite 510
Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
704.644.2831 main voice
704.307.4595 main fax

1829 East Franklin Street, Bldg 600
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.321.0780 main phone
919.787.6668 main fax

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action.

2

If a couple decides not to get married does the ring have to go back to the man regardless of circumstances. For example, my fiance did not want to move into my house… he didn’t like the house, so I, as part of the deal put my house up for a lease/purchase option and currently have a couple living in my house and planning to buy it. I took less than what I thoughtI might get out of the house because I wanted to get engaged. He gave me a ring. Now if I decide not to marry him, I cannot reposess my house because the contract is legally binding. So if I do not get married, am I bound legally to return the ring.