Who's the rightful owner?

Question

In the State of Wisconsin, who is the rightful owner to an engagement ring after a break up? It was not given on a holiday or birthday, just a random day. The party that bought it or the party who received it?

Answer 1

Engagement rings are given in contemplation of marriage. If the marriage is cancelled, the ring is returned to the giver.

Answer 2

according to reviews I have read/heard.. the answer is about WHO CALLED OFF THE ENGAGEMENT.

If he called it off, she gets to keep it.  She called it off, he gets it.

If she is smart.. there is no question.. she would not want to keep a ring from someone she isn't going to marry. She avoids any disputes.  

Answer 3

IF ITS AN ENGAGEMENT RING, OWNERSHIP IS CONTINGENT ON MARRIAGE. IF U DONT GET MARRIED THEN THEY SHOULD GIVE IT BACK.MOST PEOPLE DON'T THO BECAUSE THEY ARE JERKS. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT. WHY WOULD U WANT TO KEEP AN ENGAGEMENT RING THAT SOMEONE GAVE U AND YOU ARE NO LONGER TOGETHER??I HAVE BEEN ENGAGED AND BROKEN UP. AND I GAVE IT BACK.

Answer 4

I don't know the 'technical' answer, but I am assuming it is the receiver, although unless the person who gave the ring did something really awful, the person who received the ring should have some morals and return it. :)

Answer 5

Engagement rings are held by the law as gifts in exchange for the marriage.  It the person who received it, does not fulfill the marriage contract, the consideration(ring) must be returned or the giver has a suit in equity for the value of the ring.

Answer 6

Actually who ever breaks off the engagement is not entitled to the ring, since they chose not to fullfill the agreement.

Answer 7

It was given as a gift and thus belongs to the receiver to do what they want with it.

Answer 8

It is considered a gift.  He can get it back, but only in small claims court.

Answer 9

I dont know about Wisconsin, but if a person gives a ring in the hopes of getting married, then there is a breakup, it is in my book "Buyer Beware"  Better make sure she is the one before you go buy a ring for her, because if she turns out not to be, then say goodbye to the ring, oh well.....Lesson Learned!

Answer 10

Its a conditional gift.  Should the condition of marriage not be fulfilled, then the gift is rescinded.  Long story short, the ring must be returned.  

Answer 11

In Wisconsin, in every instance, regardless of fault or any other circumstances, the ring must go back to the person who bought it, if the marriage does not take place.