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Q. If a couple who were engaged to marry end the
engagement, what happens to any wedding gifts they may have
received?
17.08.11
The Family Law Act 1981 allows for legal action following a
broken engagement where there is a dispute over property or finances
between the couple or involving a third party.
If you are engaged and you give gifts (including an engagement ring)
to each other, it is presumed that they are given on the condition
that the gifts will be returned (if the donor requests) should the
engagement end. Where someone gives an engaged couple or one of you
a wedding gift, it is presumed (unless there is evidence to the
contrary), that it is given to both of you as joint owners and that
it will be returned (if the donor requests) should your engagement
end and the marriage does not take place for any reason. This
includes where one of you dies.
Where your engagement has ended and you have incurred substantial
expenses in preparation for the marriage and/or honeymoon, you may
apply to the courts for compensation from your ex-fiancé(e)
providing you have not benefited from the expense. A third party
(such as, a family member or friend), who similarly incurs
substantial expenditure in preparation for the marriage on behalf of
one of you, and has not benefited, may also apply to the courts for
compensation.
Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741
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