论对彩礼进行约定的效力与法律效果

Discussion on the Validity and Legal Effect of Appointment on Betrothal Gifts

摘要: 《民法典婚姻家庭编解释(一)》第五条规定了法定彩礼返还约定，但该条款适用范围过于狭窄，应当允许男女双方在婚前或者婚后通过书面约定的方式，对于彩礼进行约定。双方对彩礼的约定系附解除条件的赠与合同。双方对彩礼返还的约定要基于具体情形进行分析，对于结婚前的约定以及在离婚前达成的彩礼返还协议，由于两者皆体现了当事人的真实意思，其约定原则上有效。但是如果双方对彩礼进行类似“定金罚则”的约定，则超过了双方可以约定的范围，只会发生由女方向男方返还原彩礼数额的法律效果。

Abstract: Article 5 of Interpretation 1 of the Supreme People’s Court on the Application of the “Marriage and Family” Book of the People’s Republic of China provides restitution of betrothal gifts, but this provision is very limited. The couple, whether before or after marriage, should be allowed to appoint the betrothal gifts in written appointment. The appointment of the couple on the gifts is a gift contract with resolutive condition. The appointment needs to be analyzed based on the factual situations. The appointments, made before the marriage or the divorce, both show the couple’s real intentions, so they are effective in principle. However, if they make appointments on betrothal gifts similar to the forfeit money, it won’t take effect because it is beyond the scope. It can only lead to the legal effect that the wife gives money equal to the betrothal gifts back to the husband.