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ARTICLE · 04 JULY 2017

Breaking Up Before The Wedding: Who Gets The Ring?

Devry Smith Frank LLP
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Many television shows and movies portray it, and many couples live it. When a couple separates, who really should keep the engagement ring?

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial
Devry Smith Frank LLP
Devry Smith Frank LLP
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Many television shows and movies portray it, and many couples live it. When a couple separates, who really should keep the engagement ring?

While some may argue that it is the recipient's to keep (after all – it was a gift!), others take the position that the ring belongs to the giver ("If I bought it, it's mine!").

Based on my own personal survey – conducted amongst family, friends and colleagues – it appears that there is no general consensus on this issue.

Whatever your own personal answer may be, would it change depending upon who ended the relationship?

A Nova Scotia court has taken a position on this issue, and their opinion? If you broke off the engagement, the ring is not yours to keep.

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