Break Up in Michigan? Who Legally Gets the Engagement Ring?

If a couple breaks off their engagement in Michigan, who gets the ring?

Life is not always filled with sunshine and rainbows and sometimes bad things happen. Even the happiest of couples could call off a wedding for one reason or another. When that happens, the question that follows often is who gets to keep the engagement ring?

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When it comes to an engagement ring and who gets to keep it after a break up, the answer varies by which state you reside in. In the case of Michigan resides, the answer has been established with a case from the Michigan Court of Appeals. Meyer v. Mitnick ruled that an engagement ring is a conditional gift. If a break up occurs, no matter who was at fault, the ring returns to the giver.

To make a long story short, two people in Michigan were engaged to be married (Meyer and Mitnick.) That engagement ended when Mitnick decided not to sign a prenuptial agreement.

The court held that because an engagement ring is given in contemplation of marriage, the marriage itself is a condition precedent to the ultimate ownership of the ring.   The court held that because the parties did not perform the condition of marriage, Meyer was entitled to return of the ring.   The court also determined that the issue of who ended the engagement is not determinative of ownership of the ring...Meyer v. Mitnick

To see the complete case, click here. 

Some people may be thinking, "It's just an engagement ring, who cares?" Well, that particular engagement ring was purchased for $19,500. I would want it back too.

Source: World Population Review & Caselaw.findlaw.com