Who Keeps the Engagement Ring?

What is your legal obligation when you’re given an engagement ring?

The most exciting part of an engagement, for some, is receiving the engagement ring. Not every engagement results in marriage though - and when that happens, what do you do with the engagement ring?

Generally, the rule is that the engagement ring is forfeited by the party who decided to break off the engagement. If you receive an engagement ring, the general rule is that you must return it.

However, if you are the one who gifted the engagement ring and decided to break off the marriage, you cannot then demand that the ring be returned.

Another hot topic related to this type of gifting is the engagement gifts presented by family & friends. If a couple received gifts from them in contemplation of a marriage which fails to take place, those gifts should be returned to the donors.

Please contact our office for a consultation with one of our family law lawyers.

The material provided in this blog is for general information and education purposes only and does not contain, and should not be construed as containing, legal advice applicable to a particular set of facts. If you require legal advice, please contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced family law lawyers.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team
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