Proposing to your significant other is a huge step in any relationship. When making the decision to propose, the last thing that you’re probably worried about is what will happen to the engagement ring in the event of a divorce. But alas, one can never plan for every possible outcome and so this blog will address what happens to the engagement ring in the event of divorce.

I have both good news and bad news—all depending on whether you were the one that was down on one knee. The good news: if you were proposed to with a nice, sparkly engagement ring and have since gotten married and find yourself in the midst of divorce, that ring is all yours! The bad news: if you were the one down on one knee and proposed with that nice, sparkly engagement ring and have since gotten married and find yourself in the midst of divorce, you have no claim to that ring.

If you have gotten to the point where you are considering divorce or are in the midst of a divorce, what may happen to the engagement ring does not seem like something that should matter in the grand scheme of things. However, the engagement ring may be a big deal to the spouse who proposed if the ring is a family heirloom. In cases such as this, there is great sentimental value to the engagement ring that cannot be replicated and it is now the property of your ex-spouse. Thus, before deciding to propose with the diamond ring that has been in your family for hundreds of years, perhaps you should consider how you would feel if that ring ends up with your spouse in the event of divorce.

The moral of the story—diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

The material in this blog is meant only to provide general information and is not a substitute nor is it legal advice to you. Readers of this article should seek specific legal advice from legal counsel of their choice. In the event that you need legal assistance, please contact Hanna E. Kirkpatrick at 516-393-8259 or hkirkpatrick@jaspanllp.com.