Dear Attorneys,
My fiancé proposed to me on Valentine’s Day. I said yes, but I don’t think I want to go through with it. We have a child together and own a house, so I thought it was the “right thing” to do. Now I’m not so sure. If I call off the 
wedding, do I get to keep the ring? What happens to our child? How about our house? I’m so confused.
Sincerely,
Unhappy Valentine
Dear Unhappy
I would normally say “Congratulations!” to an engagement, but in this situation, I think it would be better to say “Congratulations on thinking things through and weighing your options.” Just because someone proposes, does not mean you have to say yes (even if you think it’s the right thing to do). It may be hard to say no, but it’s a lot easier to walk away now, before a marriage, than it is later.
Since you received the ring on a holiday, it is a gift, so technically if you want to keep it, then it’s yours. However, if you had received it on a different (non-holiday) day, then you would need to return the ring to the purchaser because you would not have fulfilled your promise/contractual obligation.
As far as your child, if you and your fiancé split up (as opposed to just not getting married), then you probably want to file a custody application with the court to work out a parenting plan. Since you are not married, family court does not have jurisdiction over your house. Therefore, if that becomes an issue and, for example, you need to evict him, then you would need to go to housing court for that.
Wolf & Shore Law Group is here to help you make your family law matters easier, not harder. We are realistic and up front with our clients. We encourage potential clients to seek out a firm where they will feel comfortable and confident. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.
