Some etiquette books say if a marriage has lasted less than a year, then an engagement ring should be returned. However, under Michigan law, as long as the parties go through with the wedding, the ring is a gift and need not be returned in the event of divorce.
This landmark Michigan decision was successfully argued by my office at the Michigan Court of Appeals. The citation is 244 Mich. App. 697,625 N.W.2d 136, 2001.
Under Michigan Law, Kim Kardashian can keep the reported $2 million diamond ring she received from now-ex-husband Kris Humphries her ring even though she was only married for 72 days. On the other hand, if a party breaks off the engagement, the ring is returned, regardless of the circumstances why the wedding was cancelled or who cancelled the wedding.
What about other expenses associated with a cancelled wedding – the hotel, the caterer, or the flowers?
Under Michigan law, a breach of contract case can be brought to recover these expenses.
Daniel