Dowry is a wedding gift given by the bride's family to the bride on the day of her daughter's marriage. It is usually a personal gift given by the bride's family before marriage. Previously, they were small items with good meanings. With the development of the economy, dowry items now include cars, houses, cash, household appliances, etc. The dowry is mainly to give the daughter a certain amount of savings, to have face at her in laws' house, and to have a better life after marriage.
However, there are two legal interpretations regarding the ownership of dowries:
1. The situation where it belongs to the personal property of the female party
This situation is based on the fact that the dowry is given out before both parties register their marriage, and unless there is another agreement proving that the dowry belongs to both parties, it is divided according to the personal property of the female party.
2. The situation where it belongs to the joint property of husband and wife
If the dowry is given out after two people register their marriage, then the dowry given out belongs to the joint property of the couple, unless there is another valid agreement proving that the property belongs to an individual, otherwise it is divided according to the joint property of the couple.
