Engagement rings

If you are not married

If you are engaged, but haven't gotten married, your engagement ring is a gift. Your fiancé cannot take the ring back. He can file a case in small claims court to get it back, but he must prove the ring was not a gift.

If you are married

If you are married, your engagement ring counts as "marital property." If you get divorced, the judge will divide all of the marital property between you and your spouse.

The judge looks at a number of factors. The judge may give the ring to because you contributed certain things to your marriage. The judge may give the ring to your partner and give you your piano, or car, or other property. If your partner takes the ring before you both go to court, the judge may order him to return it to you or pay you money for it.