Doesn't matter what you call it. It's clearly not something you want in your life, it sounds like.
When you say you're staying out of fear of how ugly it's going to get otherwise - can you tell us what you mean? Are you afraid of violence or of emotional abuse? An expensive outdrawn court fight or death threats? I think between us here, we've covered most situations... Maybe if you tell us some more about what your fears are, someone can come up with some suggestions?