What is the legal term for a marriage where issues cannot be resolved without assigning blame?

• A. Contested Divorce
• B. Separation
• C. No Fault Divorce
• D. Annulment

Answer: (C)

A marriage characterized by unresolved issues requiring the assignment of blame is referred to as a contested divorce. In this situation, both parties involved disagree on important issues, which may include division of assets, child custody, and support payments. The need to establish fault can complicate the divorce process, often leading to prolonged legal battles and heightened emotional distress.

In contrast, a no-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage without needing to prove wrongdoing by either party, which significantly simplifies the legal proceedings. This approach acknowledges that differences in compatibility can occur without attributing blame, making it a more amicable option for resolving marital disputes. A separation typically refers to a period when spouses live apart but may not necessarily end their marriage legally. Annulment, on the other hand, means that the marriage is declared void, as if it never existed, typically due to specific legal reasons. These terms highlight various aspects of marital dissolution, but in the context of disputes that require blame assignment, the noted definition directly aligns with contested divorce.