Chinese Court Orders Woman to Return $9,000 of $53,000 Dowry in High-Profile Divorce Case

The court ultimately ruled that Zhang must return 60,000 yuan to Li, but not the full amount he requested. The court's decision provides insight into the complex and often sensitive issue of caili in Chinese weddings. According to the court, caili refers to the money or gifts given by one party to the other for the purpose of marriage, and its return is subject to certain conditions. In this case, the court determined that the 300,000 yuan in cash, the diamond ring, and the earrings were all given as caili, totaling 348,400 yuan. However, the "alteration fee" of 10,000 yuan was considered a gift from Li's parents to Zhang and did not constitute caili.

The court's decision reflects the nuances of Chinese marriage laws and customs, particularly with regards to the role of caili in weddings. While caili is an important tradition in Chinese culture, its return can be a contentious issue in divorce cases. The court's ruling in this case provides a balanced approach, taking into account the interests of both parties and the specific circumstances of the case. The court viewed the "三金" (sān jīn), which refers to the gold jewelry given to the bride, including the couple's rings and the diamond ring, as betrothal gifts because they were given with the intention of marriage.

Many netizens have expressed their opinions on this case, with some arguing that high dowry marriages are of poor quality, objectifying women and depriving young men from lower-income backgrounds of their right to marriage. Others believe that the law has never recognized dowry as a legitimate payment for marriage, and therefore does not protect it. Some experts point out that the concept of dowry has become distorted, with money being used as a means to "buy" a wife. This mindset is problematic and risks reducing women to mere commodities.

The case highlights the need for a re-evaluation of the social norms and values surrounding marriage and dowry in Chinese society. The objectification of women and the commodification of marriage are serious issues that need to be addressed in order to promote healthier and more equitable relationships. According to lawyers, the court's verdict took into account the couple's marital life, the amount of the dowry, and their expenses. The ruling was based on the "Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on the Application of the Marriage and Family Chapter of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (I)", which states that in general, the return of the dowry is not supported in divorce proceedings.

However, if the couple's cohabitation time is relatively short and the dowry amount is excessively high, or if the payment was made before marriage and caused the payer financial difficulties, the court may consider the circumstances and determine whether to return the dowry and the specific proportion. In this case, the couple's short cohabitation period and the high dowry amount made the court rule in favor of partial refund, ordering the return of 60,000 yuan. The court's decision underscores the legal system's role in protecting the rights of both parties in cases of failed engagements and the return of betrothal gifts, while also respecting traditional customs and practices surrounding marriage in China.