Do You Have To Give Back The Ring? Legally?
By GalTime .com. Posted on .
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GalTime: Just how awful have these jilted romance cases gotten?
Attorney Larry Bodine: Bitterness is bad news in a relationship and it’s pure poison in court. Believe it or not, several states allow lawsuits breach of the promise to marry. Typically the jilted lover sues for incurred costs of the wedding and emotional distress. Many states prohibit these cases so it’s best to contact a divorce lawyer for advice. Matthew Campbell and Ashley Robinson got engaged in 2005, broke up in 2006 fought in court in South Carolina for six years over their broken engagement and ownership of the ring. At trial, the jury ruled that the breakup was his fault but awarded her no damages. An appellate court ordered a new trial.
GalTime:: From a legal standpoint if an engagement is broken, what would you advise couples?
Attorney Larry Bodine: A broken engagement is a terrible heartbreak, but at least you don’t have to go through a divorce too. It’s better to find out about that your relationship was doomed before it became legally binding. Do yourself a favor and make a breakup clear-cut, complete and permanent. People who become obsessed with their exes can be charged as stalkers, and nobody wants that.
What do you think? Should women have to give back the ring if the engagement is broken?
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