Why are they asking this information?

You are asked about your marital status in order to determine if you will be required to provide any spouse’s information along with your own throughout the application.

How to answer this question / fill out this section

If you are married, and file separate federal tax returns, you will still be expected to report your spouse’s income and other relevant information. Select from the drop down menu whether you are single, married/remarried, separated, or divorced or widowed. In cases or separation, divorce, or if your spouse has died, you will not need to provide any financial information besides your own in the FAFSA.