In the acronym DISMAL, which item indicates a void marriage?

In the acronym DISMAL, which item indicates a void marriage?

• A. Divorce
• B. Invalid divorce by surviving spouse
• C. Separation decree (not agreement)
• D. Marriage is void

Answer: (D)

The key idea is distinguishing a void marriage from other ways a marriage can end or be challenged. In this acronym, the status that signals a void marriage is the one that states the marriage is void. A void marriage is a legal nullity from the outset—it never has legal effect and cannot be cured or ratified by later events. That’s why this option best identifies a void marriage. Divorce ends a valid marriage; a separation decree means the couple is living apart but remains legally married; and “invalid divorce by surviving spouse” doesn’t describe the marriage status itself. Those ideas relate to ending or challenging a valid marriage, not to a marriage that is void from the start.

The key idea is distinguishing a void marriage from other ways a marriage can end or be challenged. In this acronym, the status that signals a void marriage is the one that states the marriage is void. A void marriage is a legal nullity from the outset—it never has legal effect and cannot be cured or ratified by later events. That’s why this option best identifies a void marriage.

Divorce ends a valid marriage; a separation decree means the couple is living apart but remains legally married; and “invalid divorce by surviving spouse” doesn’t describe the marriage status itself. Those ideas relate to ending or challenging a valid marriage, not to a marriage that is void from the start.