Learn how California laws determine who keeps their rings after a divorce. Get answers to common questions about engagement versus wedding ring ownership and community versus separate property, while learning to protect your interests with Maples Family Law.

Anna Y. Maples, Family Law Attorney Explains

Who Gets the Wedding or Engagement Rings if You Divorce in California?

Thanks to clever marketing, diamonds, and engagements are practically synonymous. The sparkle of a diamond ring has become a symbol of love, commitment, and the promise of a future together. It’s no wonder that Americans invest significant sums in these precious gems, with the average engagement ring costing over $6,000, and many couples spending significantly more (Vogue Magazine).

However, with divorce rates hovering around 50%, the question arises: Who gets to keep the rings (both wedding and engagement) in a California divorce? This question often leads to heated disputes and emotional turmoil, as these rings carry immense sentimental and financial value.

In California, the issue of ring ownership in divorce isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. While there are no specific laws governing this matter, the courts generally consider rings to be separate property, belonging to the person who received them. However, exceptions can arise, particularly when rings are family heirlooms or purchased with community property funds.

This article explains how California courts handle community property ownership and how Maples Family Law can help you navigate the process of dividing your community and separating property interests. 

Now, let us examine, who gets the rings in a California Divorce.

Is the Ring a Gift or a Contract?

Two main arguments surround engagement rings: Is it a gift, or a contract? Regarding wedding rings, it is community property, unless it fits certain criteria listed below. 

• Gift: If it’s a gift, the recipient owns it outright once they say “yes.”
• Contract: If the ring is part of a verbal contract (marriage), a broken promise could mean the giver gets it back.

So, which is it?

Community Property vs. Separate Property:

California is a community property state, and gifts are usually separate property. But what about engagement or wedding rings after marriage?

• Community Property: In California, property acquired during a marriage is generally considered community property and is subject to equal division in a divorce.
• Separate Property: Separate property includes assets owned by each spouse before the marriage, gifts received during the marriage, and inheritances. These assets typically remain with the original owner in a divorce. 
• The Verdict Is: It is this category that an engagement ring will likely fall, as once the marriage is valid, the contract for the gift mentioned above has been filled. 

Who Gets the Rings:

• Conditional Gift: While an engagement ring is technically a gift, it’s often seen as a conditional gift, contingent upon the marriage taking place. If the marriage doesn’t occur, the ring typically goes back to the giver.
• After Marriage: Once the marriage occurs, the engagement ring generally becomes the separate property of the recipient. This holds even in a divorce, as most California courts consider it a completed gift at that point.

Exceptions:

There are a few situations where an engagement ring might not be considered separate property outright:

• Family Heirloom: If the ring is a family heirloom with significant sentimental or historical value, a court might award it to the family it originated from.
• Prenuptial Agreement: If a prenuptial agreement specifically addresses the ownership of the engagement ring, its terms would prevail.
• Commingling: If the ring is sold and the proceeds are commingled with community property funds, it could potentially lose its separate property status.

Conclusion:

In the majority of divorces in California, the engagement ring remains the separate property of the recipient spouse. However, consulting with a qualified family law attorney is crucial to fully understand your rights and options regarding any specific property in a divorce proceeding.

Are you Divorcing? You may need help dividing the community and separating property!

California’s law is clear, but there can be exceptions. If you’re facing a breakup and need to determine who gets the engagement ring, contact Maples Family Law. We can help you understand your rights and options.

Contact Anna Today

If you are facing a family law matter in Stockton, CA, don’t navigate it alone. Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Family Law Attorney Anna Maples today to schedule a confidential consultation

Call us at (209) 910-9865 or contact us online for a consultation.

More from Dr. Thomas Maples

A Sacred Journey Podcast