A consultation on introducing “no-fault divorces”, which could streamline the slow and confrontational procedures couples face when separating, is being prepared by the government.

The justice secretary, David Gauke, who has previously acknowledged that the argument for reform is “strong”, is expected to launch a public debate on proposals to modernise legislation that has not been changed for almost 50 years.

Under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 in England and Wales, anyone seeking a divorce can prove their partner is at fault through adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour.

Alternatively, if both sides agree, they can part after two years of separation. In the absence of consent or evidence of fault, however, applicants must wait until they have been living apart for five years.

Demands for change have mounted after the Tini Owens case. The supreme court ruled in July that the 68-year-old could not divorce her husband and escape her loveless marriage until a period of five years had elapsed. She and her husband, Hugh Owens, had been living separate lives since 2015.

The Ministry of Justice would not comment on the development but it is understood that a consultation will be published in the coming months.

This year, Gauke told the Times he was “increasingly persuaded … that what we have at the moment creates more antagonism than we really need”. He added: “I don’t think the best way of helping the institution of marriage is by putting bureaucratic hurdles in the way of a divorce.”

Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, said on Friday: “Labour is fully committed to introducing no-fault divorce proceedings. Instead of yet another consultation, the Conservatives should get on with changing our divorce laws so that they are fit for the 21st century.”

There has been growing pressure from campaign groups and divorce lawyers who have been pressing for the system to be modernised. They argue that the current adversarial system forces couples to blame one another if they wish to speed up divorce.

Responding to reports that the government intended to launch a consultation, Nigel Shepherd, a former chair of the family law organisation Resolution, said: “Today’s news has the potential to be a landmark moment for divorce law in England and Wales. For far too long, couples have been forced into needless acrimony and conflict in order to satisfy an outdated legal requirement.

“Apportioning blame can lead to long-term damage to relationships between children and their parents, and can undermine attempts to resolve matters outside of an already overstretched court system.

“Since 1996, there have been 1.7 million people who have assigned blame in the divorce process. Many didn’t have to, and every day that goes by sees that number grow.

“The government appears to have heeded our calls to make our divorce system fit for the modern age, and we will continue to push for this much-needed, overdue reform to be implemented as soon as possible.”

Christina Blacklaws, the president of the Law Society, said: “Making couples attribute fault in order to end their marriage can escalate the differences between them in an already charged situation. We welcome news the Ministry of Justice is to consult on proposals to update the divorce law.

“It’s time to bring this law into the 21st century to reflect the society we live in and we look forward to working with government to ensure the reforms are fit for purpose.”

Fiona Snowdon, a family law expert at Simpson Millar, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the government is set to announce a consultation on no-fault divorce. UK divorce law has not been updated in almost 50 years, and as such is archaic, outdated and incompatible with the 21st century.

“Divorce can be a painful, drawn out experience. A no-fault divorce would inject some much needed autonomy and practicality into the process. Most recently, Tini Owens found herself trapped in a ‘loveless marriage’ until 2020 thanks to the unnecessary antagonism of grounds for divorce in the UK.”

Claire Blakemore, a solicitor with the law firm Withers LLP, said: “This consultation signals a hugely welcome change to our divorce law. Our clients are often totally unable to understand why they must apportion blame and make their separation more acrimonious. Bringing divorce law up to date to meet the needs of modern families is essential.” </s> Couples will be allowed no-fault divorces in the first major change to UK marriage laws for 50 years.

David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, wants to abolish the current system of fault-based divorce and will announce a consultation on the matter as the first stage in the process of passing legislation.

Under a simplified system, spouses would lose the ability to block a divorce as there would be no need for their husband or wife to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion in a contested divorce.

It comes weeks after the Supreme Court ordered a wife to stay in her “loveless” marriage after her husband of 40 years denied that he had behaved unreasonably.

The Ministry of Justice will propose... </s> Divorce laws in England and the UK are set for a major shake-up, with proposals for no-fault separations under consideration.

British Justice Secretary David Gauke is expected to launch a consultation on plans for reform after previously saying he wanted a “less antagonistic” system.

Under the current law in England and Wales, unless people can prove there was adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, the only way to obtain a divorce without their spouse’s agreement is to live apart for five years.

The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm or deny reports about the details of the consultation, but Mr Gauke has said there was a “strong” case for reform.

Tini Owens’ failure to win a legal battle to divorce husband Hugh has intensified calls for reform (PA Wire/PA)

In May he told The Times: “The more I look at it the more I am concerned that the current system does create a degree of unnecessary antagonism in an already difficult and sensitive set of circumstances.”

On Thursday ministers confirmed the law was being examined.

Government spokeswoman Baroness Vere of Norbiton told peers: “We are looking at ways to reduce conflict in a divorce, whether that can be no-fault, whether that can be under financial provisions, whether that can be for enforceable nuptial agreements.”

Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said: “Labour is fully committed to introducing no-fault divorce proceedings.

“Instead of yet another consultation, the Conservatives should get on with changing our divorce laws so that they are fit for the 21st century.”

Fiona Snowdon, family law expert at Simpson Millar, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the Government is set to announce a consultation on no-fault divorce.

“UK divorce law has not been updated in almost 50 years, and as such is archaic, outdated and incompatible with the 21st century.

“Divorce can be a painful, drawn out experience. A no-fault divorce would inject some much needed autonomy and practicality into the process.”

She added: “This announcement suggests that we are finally moving in the right direction, and we could not be more pleased.”

Pressure for reform has intensified after Tini Owens lost a legal battle to divorce her husband.

She had told the Supreme Court that her 40-year marriage to Hugh Owens was “loveless” and “broken down” and she said she wanted a divorce.

She said he had behaved unreasonably and said she should not reasonably be expected to stay married.

But Mr Owens had refused to agree to a divorce, justices heard, and denied Mrs Owens’s allegations about his behaviour.

The Supreme Court ruled against her in July, but Lord Wilson said justices had come to the ruling “with reluctance”.

He said the “question for Parliament” was whether the law governing “entitlement to divorce” remained “satisfactory”. </s> Couples will be allowed no-fault divorces and spouses will lose the right to contest the breakdown of a marriage under proposals for an historic overhaul of the law being drawn up by the government.

BuzzFeed News has learned that justice secretary David Gauke is set to announce a consultation on no-fault divorce in which he will call for the existing fault-based system of establishing marriage breakdown to be abolished.

Under current law, a spouse who wants to file for divorce must either provide evidence that their partner has committed adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, or otherwise wait two years if both parties consent to the divorce, or five years without both spouses’ consent.

BuzzFeed News can reveal the government’s proposals, which are still being finalised, would keep the sole legal ground for divorce of irretrievable breakdown, but remove the requirement of a spouse to provide one of these five reasons.

The Ministry of Justice will also seek to end the opportunity for a spouse to contest a divorce and consult on the length of the divorce process, proposing a minimum time-frame of six months.

It would be first significant change to UK divorce law in nearly 50 years. The proposed reforms would also apply to civil partnerships. </s> Image copyright Getty Images

Divorce laws in England and Wales are set to be overhauled under government plans seeking to allow couples to split up more quickly and with less acrimony.

Justice Secretary David Gauke, who has said the system creates "unnecessary antagonism", is to begin a consultation on introducing "no-fault" divorces.

Campaigners said it could be a "landmark moment" for divorce law.

In July, a woman's appeal for divorce was rejected by the Supreme Court due to her husband's refusal to split.

Tini Owens, 68, from Worcestershire, wanted to divorce her husband of 40 years on the grounds she is unhappy.

Her husband Hugh has refused the split and the Supreme Court unanimously rejected the appeal, meaning she must remain married until 2020.

Image copyright PA Image caption Tini Owens was refused a divorce by the family court and Court of Appeal

Under the current law in England and Wales, unless people can prove their marriage has broken down due to adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, the only way to obtain a divorce without a spouse's consent is to live apart for five years.

The government's proposals - first reported by Buzzfeed - could see the concept of fault, or blame, removed from the process. Spouses could lose the right to contest a divorce, as part of the reform.

Analysis

By Clive Coleman, BBC legal correspondent

Pressure has been building for decades for a system of no-fault divorce. The Law Commission recommended it in 1990 and many senior judges favour it.

The reason? Many believe that when divorcing couples are being torn apart emotionally and financially, and trying to make living arrangements for their children, assigning blame to one party can only exacerbate an already stressful process.

No-fault divorce would have been introduced in a 1996 Act of Parliament requiring spouses to attend "information meetings" to encourage reconciliation, but following pilot schemes, the government decided it was unworkable.

The Ministry of Justice will seek to end the right of spouses to contest a divorce, and also consult on how long the parties need to wait before becoming entitled to one, suggesting a minimum of six months.

Essentially, the government is proposing a notification system where, after a defined period, if one spouse still maintains the marriage has broken down irretrievably, they become entitled to a divorce.

There will be some who fear such a system will undermine marriage, but many believe it could remove a layer of stress and anxiety from one of life's most traumatic experiences.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Baroness Vere of Norbiton said the call for reform after recent judgements had been noted and the lord chancellor was "sympathetic" to the argument for reform.

"We are looking at ways to reduce conflict in a divorce, whether that can be no-fault, whether that can be under financial provisions, whether that can be for enforceable nuptial agreements," she added.

Nigel Shepherd, chairman of the national family lawyer's organisation Resolution, said that couples had been forced "into needless acrimony and conflict" under the current system, "to satisfy an outdated legal requirement".

"Today's news has the potential to be a landmark moment for divorce law in England and Wales," he said.

"The government appears to have heeded our calls to make our divorce system fit for the modern age, and we will continue to push for this much-needed, overdue reform to be implemented as soon as possible."

However, shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said: "Instead of yet another consultation, the Conservatives should get on with changing our divorce laws so that they are fit for the 21st century."

Labour was "fully committed" to introducing no-fault divorce proceedings, he added.

'Real arguments'

Jenny from Kent got divorced five years ago. Her husband divorced her on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour because it was quicker than waiting for a no-fault divorce.

"I would have been quite happy to wait for the two years so that we could have had a no-fault divorce," she told Radio 5 live.

"The people that got caught in the middle of this were my two children because they went from seeing their parents talking and being quite amenable to each other to having real arguments and being quite nasty to each other - purely because of the process."

Law Society president Christina Blacklaws said it was time to bring divorce law "into the 21st century".

In Scotland, a simplified divorce procedure is available (to couples without children of the marriage under 16) where people can prove their marriage is broken down with one year's separation - with consent of both partners - or two years separation without consent.

In Northern Ireland, the grounds for divorce are the same as the current requirements for England and Wales.

Grounds for divorce in England and Wales:

When you apply for a divorce you must prove your marriage has broken down and give one of the following five reasons:

Adultery

Unreasonable behaviour

Desertion

You have lived apart for more than two years and both agree to the divorce

You have lived apart for at least five years, even if your husband or wife disagrees

Source: Gov.UK </s> Couples will be allowed to file for no-fault divorces and spouses will lose the right to contest a marriage breakdown in the first major overhaul of divorce laws in 50 years.

Currently, if spouses do not provide evidence their partner cheated, behaved unreasonably, or deserted them, they must wait two years if both partners agree to the divorce, or five years if one does not consent.

Justice secretary David Gauke will announce the consultation on no-fault divorce and call for the abolishment of the existing fault-based system, reports BuzzFeed.

Government proposals, which are yet to be finalised, would keep the sole legal ground for divorce as irretrievable breakdown but remove the need to specify a reason for the break-up of the marriage.

The government also plans to end the ability for spouses to contest the divorce, and will propose a minimum timeframe of six months.

In July, campaigners called for Britain's divorce laws to be changed after Tini Owens was told she must stay married to her husband of 40 years Hugh Owens until 2020.

He has refused to agree to the split because he says she is just 'bored' and insists they still have a 'few years' to enjoy life together - despite his 68-year-old wife cheating on him and living in a different house.

Top judges backed previous court rulings that Mrs Owens has failed to establish that her marriage had irretrievably broken down, as required by law.

Resolution, a group of family lawyers who campaign on change for divorce law, have said the current system 'creates conflict' and must be changed to remove 'the need to blame from the divorce process'.

Labour's shadow justice secretary, Richard Burgon, told BuzzFeed. 'Instead of yet another consultation, the Conservatives should get on with changing our divorce laws so that they are fit for the 21st century.' </s> The Government is about to embark on a consultation to shake-up the country's divorce laws, Buzzfeed News reports.

In the first major changes to divorce laws in half a century, couples in England and Wales would be able to seek a no-fault divorce.

Plans being drawn up by the Government would also remove the right of either spouse to contest the breakdown of the marriage.

Under current laws, couples in England and Wales who want to divorce must be able to demonstrate that there has been one of the following: adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion, they have lived apart for more than two years and both consent to the divorce; or have lived apart for at least five years, even if one spouse disagrees with the separation.

Justice Secretary David Gauke, who is set to launch a consultation on the proposals, said the current system created 'unnecessary antagonism' for couples.

Buzzfeed News reports that the consultation will also consider the length of time it takes for a divorce to be processed, with a timeframe of at least six months on the table.

The consultation comes on the heels of a controversial Supreme Court ruling this summer against a woman from Worcestershire who wanted to divorce her husband of 40 years against his will.

Tini Owens, 68, wanted to divorce her husband on the grounds that she was unhappy in the marriage, but the Supreme Court ruled that she must remain married to her husband, Hugh, until 2020.

The Christian Institute is among those cautioning against any changes to the law to make divorce easier. It instead argues that the law should support reconciliation.

'Given the devastating effects of divorce on adults, children and society, even those who do not hold to a Christian view of divorce should be opposed to measures which make divorce even easier,' it said.

'The statistics clearly show that every time the law on divorce has been liberalised, the number of divorces has increased.' </s> Fault-based divorces could be scrapped in a major shake-up of family laws as ministers look to simplify the process.

A consultation is set to be launched on plans for divorce law reform after Justice Secretary David Gauke said he wanted a ‘less antagonistic’ system.

Currently, unless people can prove there was adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, the only way to get a divorce without their spouse’s agreement is to live apart for five years.

In May Mr Gauke told The Times: ‘The more I look at it the more I am concerned that the current system does create a degree of unnecessary antagonism in an already difficult and sensitive set of circumstances.’

Government spokeswoman Baroness Vere of Norbiton told peers: ‘We are looking at ways to reduce conflict in a divorce, whether that can be no-fault, whether that can be under financial provisions, whether that can be for enforceable nuptial agreements.’

Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said: ‘Labour is fully committed to introducing no-fault divorce proceedings.

‘Instead of yet another consultation, the Conservatives should get on with changing our divorce laws so that they are fit for the 21st century.’

Fiona Snowdon, family law expert at Simpson Millar, said: ‘UK divorce law has not been updated in almost 50 years, and as such is archaic, outdated and incompatible with the 21st century.

‘Divorce can be a painful, drawn out experience. A no-fault divorce would inject some much needed autonomy and practicality into the process.

‘This announcement suggests that we are finally moving in the right direction, and we could not be more pleased.’

Pressure for reform has intensified after Tini Owens lost a legal battle to divorce her husband.

She had told the Supreme Court that her 40-year marriage to Hugh Owens was ‘loveless’ and ‘broken down’ and she said she wanted a divorce.

She said he had behaved unreasonably and said she should not reasonably be expected to stay married.

But Mr Owens had refused to agree to a divorce, justices heard, and denied Mrs Owens’s allegations about his behaviour.

The Supreme Court ruled against her in July, but Lord Wilson said justices had come to the ruling ‘with reluctance’.

He said the ‘question for Parliament’ was whether the law governing ‘entitlement to divorce’ remained ‘satisfactory’. </s> The days of being forced to play the blame game to get a divorce could soon be over.

Justice Secretary David Gauke is to launch a consultation on plans for a major shake-up of divorce laws, with a move towards a "less antagonistic" system.

Currently, the law in England and Wales means anyone wanting a divorce must prove their partner is at fault through adultery, desertion or unreasonable behaviour, if their partner does not agree.

The only other way is for a couple to live apart for five years.

Details of the consultation have not been confirmed but Mr Gauke previously told The Times that the current laws "create a degree of antagonism in an already difficult and sensitive set of circumstances".

On Thursday, ministers confirmed that the law was being looked at.

Pip Wilson, an entrepreneur who created divorce app Amicable, told Sky News that the move towards change was "extremely positive".

She added: "We've been campaigning for this for a long time and it's very true that the laws are completely outdated and very much in need of modernisation.

"All other western democracies have removed the fault-based divorce a long time ago, including Scotland.

"This rationale that the state needs to understand your reasons for divorce and you have to prove why you want to get a divorce - it just doesn't make any sense."

Ms Wilson said that couples do not opt for divorce lightly, adding: "They reach it after a period of time of trying, often years of making their marriage work.

"Once they've reached that point of going: 'no, i'm sorry it can't, we have no choice apart from divorce', it doesn't help the situation to have to prove to an external third party who is at fault. It just makes the situation worse and often introduces a lot more antagonism."

The need for reform was brought into the public eye after Tini Owens lost her fight to divorce her husband in July after 40 years of marriage.

She had described her marriage to husband Hugh as "loveless" and "broken down", saying he had behaved unreasonably.

But Mr Owens, 80, had denied this and refused to agree to a divorce.

The Supreme Court ruled against Mrs Owens, 68, forcing her to remain in the marriage.

The judges in the case had said that parliament should look at whether the law governing entitlement to divorce was still "satisfactory".

Fiona Snowdon, family law expert at Simpson Millar, said: "Divorce can be a painful, drawn out experience.

"A no-fault divorce would inject some much needed autonomy and practicality into the process."

She added: "This announcement suggests that we are finally moving in the right direction, and we could not be more pleased." </s> On Wednesday, July 17, 2013, gay men and lesbians of England and Wales looked to Buckingham Palace for news from the Queen. It wasn’t a royal birth announcement, or Prince Harry’s latest semi-naked exploits that they waited for. It was something even closer to their hearts.

Two days earlier, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act had passed its third and final reading in Parliament’s House of Lords, followed by one last debate in the House of Commons. All that was left for the bill to become law was Royal Assent—a symbolic formality whereby the Queen is asked to approve any new British law before it goes into effect.

Twitter was abuzz with excitement, including photomontages of the Queen in colorful rainbow flag outfits. When Buckingham Palace gave the royal seal of approval, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “After a long parliamentary process, gay marriage became law tonight–something I believe we can be proud of as a country,” Ben Summerskill, chief executive of British lesbian, gay, and bisexual equality organization Stonewall tweeted: “When I was a boy I never imagined I’d see this in my lifetime. Thank you,” and gay, actor, comedian, and TV presenter Stephen Fry tweeted: “Thanks, Your Majesty, for the Royal Assent. You soon won’t be the only married queen in Britain. Hurrah hurray hurroo!”

The first legally recognized same-sex weddings took place in England and Wales on March 29, 2014. From June 2014, same-sex couples may get married in British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions, as well as on British military bases. And by the end of 2014, gay couples in civil partnerships may convert these to marriages. The new law didn’t include Scotland or Northern Ireland, but gay-rights activists continue to fight for marriage equality throughout the UK.

It’s not just British gays and lesbians who’ll benefit. Certain rules and conditions apply to foreign nationals wishing to marry here, but now those rules will be the same for all foreign nationals regardless of sexual preference.

Although it’s an upgrade from Civil Partnerships that were introduced in the UK in 2005, the Church of England maintained that they don’t wish to conduct same-sex marriages; hence the new law doesn’t allow same-sex couples to marry in a church. Fortunately, there are plenty of palaces, castles, country houses, landmarks, and make-believe Italianate villages throughout England and Wales where the community can get married.

GREAT PLACES TO GET MARRIED IN ENGLAND

A member of IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association), British-based Further Afield offers a range of handpicked accommodation for gay and lesbian travel. Simon Forrester and his partner Andrew launched the business in 2010 with around 30 UK properties. Today, they list over 250 properties in 24 countries.

Simon believes the new law will have a huge impact on his and other businesses that welcome gay men and lesbians. “It sends a clear message to the world that we welcome LGBT visitors, and that we are a good destination for gay weddings and honeymoons,” he tells me.

Although some are gay-owned and run, none of the properties on Furtherafield.com are exclusively gay. Instead, they’re chosen because of their quality, location, and service, and because they provide the same welcome to their gay guests as they do to all others.

To help gay and lesbian brides and grooms navigate the unchartered waters of weddings and honeymoons, in the UK they’ve launched a dedicated gay marriage collection. “We are getting more and more enquiries from all over the world, but the big thing is for gay honeymoons in the UK from countries like the US where gay marriage is also happening,” Simon explains. “I think that, just because of residency issues, it’s just easier to marry in your own country, but you can choose to honeymoon anywhere.”

Recommendations include The Old Rectory, a stylish property in the seaside town of Hastings, two hours south of London. Dating from the 18th century, this handsome building has been renovated and redressed by current owner Lionel Copley, a fashion and interior designer who’s worked for British fashion icon Katharine Hamnett and as creative director for British fashion brand Reiss.

Lionel and then-partner Brendan McDonagh had previously dabbled as hoteliers by opening Swan House, an award-winning five-star bed & breakfast in the heart of Hastings Old Town. Both properties share a similar design ethos, but while Swan House is chic and cozy like a classic cashmere sweater, The Old Rectory is more frivolous and voluminous like a vintage prom dress.

Dispensing with formalities like a reception desk, it’s like staying at a cool private home. The lounge has an original Inglenook fireplace, big comfy sofas, hand-woven rugs, and eclectic furniture and objets d’art sourced from nearby antique and vintage shops. Alongside Lionel’s design touches and junk-shop finds, there’s input from local artists and craftsmen. For example: the dining room walls feature hand-painted patterns by acclaimed Hastings-based artist Melissa White.

White’s brushwork is also featured in some of The Old Rectory’s eight spacious guestrooms, while other guestrooms are decorated with original 1970’s Sanderson wallpaper or display an array of commemorative Wedgwood plates—a kitsch collection that apparently came from Lionel’s mum.

The Old Rectory is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. Indeed, Weddings and Events Manager Tracey-Anne Cook has first-hand experience of what The Old Rectory can provide on that special day, because Tracey-Anne and her girlfriend had their civil partnership ceremony here.

“We wanted a relaxed informal day, so we organized a gourmet barbecue and created a traditional style ice cream cart for serving dessert,” Tracey-Anne tells me. “It was a beautiful sunny day so we ‘wed’ in the garden under the pagoda. Our dads gave us away, along with our Boston Terrier, Pacino, who managed to get in on the act by slipping his lead and walking between us up the aisle, so it really was a family and friends affair.”

The Old Rectory can host all kinds of bespoke ceremonies, as Tracey-Anne explains: “One couple had a vintage picnic with free-flowing fizz and live jazz on the terrace. Another couple, whose families came from France and the UK, wanted a very British wedding, so they opted for a winter celebration in front of a roaring log fire, where we served local Sussex wines along with very British roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.”

Although Hastings has no gay venues, there are various gay-owned and run businesses. A local favorite is Café Maroc, a little Moroccan restaurant and shop run by Keith and Mark. With just a handful of tables, the authentic, flavorsome food (including lamb and mint kebabs, chicken and pomegranate tagine, and Marrakesh chocolate cake) is in such demand that extra tables are set up in the evening.

Another option is Pomegranate, specializing in local, seasonal food like seafood platters, chargrilled saddle of lamb with salsa verdi, and halloumi burger with Mediterranean vegetables.

Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a significant date in British history, nowadays it seems more associated with 1966 because Hastings Old Town has an abundance of vintage and midcentury emporiums–perfect for sourcing unusual wedding gifts. Shops including Robert’s Rummage, Butler’s Emporium, and Browsers are treasure troves of retro-china, enamelware, old lithograph prints and taxidermy animals. Of particular note is Home Store; that occupys a restored Georgian townhouse and sells simple, practical, utilitarian homeware, but everything’s beautifully curated and displayed as if this were a living museum.

England and Wales Say “I Do” to Gay Marriage was last modified: by
The Ministry of Justice of the United Kingdom announces that divorce laws in England and Wales will be altered to allow for "no fault" divorces.