Woman's in-laws refuse to return her gold ring during her divorce, then demand the phone and laptop she bought with her own wedding money: 'They say everything belongs to them'

Author image for Cata Holmes
Cata Holmes • Writer
Jul 24, 2026 5:15 PM EDT

Who really owns personal belongings after a marriage ends?

As she navigates a difficult divorce, one woman says her in-laws are refusing to return her gold ring while also demanding the phone and laptop she purchased with her own wedding cash gifts. They insist that everything connected to the marriage belongs to them, while she argues the items were paid for with her own money. Now she's looking for legal guidance and wondering whether her in-laws have any right to keep her property or demand even more.

This situation is more common than we would think. And there's a saying that can fit this situation pretty well: "You never really know someone completely", or something along those lines. Of course, when you're getting married, the last thing you're thinking of is a potential divorce. Why would you marry someone if you have this thought? So I'm sure this woman would have never expected her in-laws to be involved so much in her divorce.

But I do think that sometimes, parents will speak for their children (even if they're grown adults) and defend them in a tight situation, such as a divorce. Maybe they are scared or afraid for him, so they will demand whatever this woman had bought during her wedding and after, and ask her to return those. No matter the reason, this attitude is stepping over the line, and she should be reaching out for legal measures to keep these people in place.

Now, my main concern is towards the ex-husband? Where is he in this whole dilemma? Is he letting his ex-wife talk only to his parents? Is he not getting involved and hoping mommy and daddy will fix this situation?… I mean, I'm glad she is getting a divorce and hopefully won't see him again any time soon.

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  • I'm currently going through a separation, and my in-laws are refusing to return my gold ring, which belongs to me. On top of that, they're also demanding that I hand over my mobile phone and laptop.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • The thing is, I bought both the phone and laptop with the salami (cash gifts) I received at my wedding. It was my money, and I purchased them myself. They weren't gifts from my husband or his family.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • They're now claiming that everything associated with the marriage belongs to them, which doesn't make sense to me. I feel like they're trying to pressure me into giving up things that are rightfully mine.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Has anyone been through something similar? Legally and practically, do they have any right to keep my gold ring or demand my phone and laptop?
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • I'm feeling exhausted and frustrated by all of this. Any guidance or shared experiences would really help. Thank you.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • A separating couple faces the emotional strain of a divorce as disagreements over personal belongings begin to escalate.
    via Unsplash+ (via Getty Images)

    A separating couple faces the emotional strain of a divorce as disagreements over personal belongings begin to escalate.

    Image is for illustrative purposes only.

  • I really like how many readers asked her if she was safe. When it comes to situations like this, where some people would be more determined, it's good to make sure she's fine and keeping herself in check before tackling these issues. Also, many advised her to call a lawyer and to prove that all her belongings are hers and that she has the right to keep them.

  • RDJ1000 Are you safe somewhere else? Not living with them? Don't give them your things. You may not get the ring back, I'm so sorry, but do what you can legally and stay far away from your ex and his family.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Notahappygardener Just don't give them to them, they are bu ying you, they can't claim ownership just because it came from wedding money.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • icnoevil Sounds like you made a wise choice to dump that bunch of free loaders.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Ana987655321 This is punishment. Clearly they won't give the ring back. They will steal the other stuff if it is not secured. Most importantly, secure yourself. Sometimes we negotiate, sometimes we just walk away.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Prestigious-Ear-8877 Tell them to take a hike. the only thing you're giving them is their son.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Feeling-Invite7953 NTA. Don't bend to their demands, and find a lawyer who will help YOU, not THEM!! Also, find a safe place to hide out while you're battling with your in- laws.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • gdognoseit Stay away from them and don't give them anything. You need your own lawyer and tell them what's happening. Let your lawyer handle all communication with your soon to be ex.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • A gold ring symbolizes the personal property at the center of a family dispute during divorce proceedings.
    via Unsplash+ (via engin akyurt)

    A gold ring symbolizes the personal property at the center of a family dispute during divorce proceedings.

    Picture does not depict the ring of the story.

  • gdognoseit I hope you don't live with them. If you do please try to live somewhere else. They're liars and thieves. Stop talking to them. Get your own divorce lawyer and let them handle it.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • BigRefrigerator9783 Your health and SAFETY is more important than any material goods. It's not fair, but uf you have to hand over these things to get away and end contact with them, please do it.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • A legal consultation reflects the questions many people face when family members dispute ownership of personal property during a divorce.
    via Unsplash+ (via Getty Images)

    A legal consultation reflects the questions many people face when family members dispute ownership of personal property during a divorce.

    Image is a representation of the people and events described.

  • Emkay1411 Sending you positive energy, sorry you are having to deal with such stupidness.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • curiousblondwonders Call the police and ask for an to retrieve personal property thats being held.
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Existing-Decision-33 This happened to me. The answer is no. If you have receipt for the ring. File a grievance with the law. Demand it's return
    via Due-Progress-9229
  • Daisy4853 Possession is 90% of the law. Just ignore them. If they take legal action what proof do they have?
    via Due-Progress-9229

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rings married couple divorce in laws money
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