Prohibited Steps Order

When can you apply for a prohibited steps order?

You can apply for a PSO if you need to prevent someone from taking an action or making a decision that will have a negative impact on your child. For example:

• Moving your child to another school
• Taking your child to see a particular person
• Changing your child’s name
• Moving your child away from the local area/abroad
• Giving their permission for your child to undergo a risky medical treatment
• Decisions concerning religion

When deciding whether to grant a PSO, the court’s primary consideration will be your child’s welfare. Under the Children Act 1989, welfare issues include:

• A child’s physical, emotional and educational needs
• The likely effect of any change in circumstances on a child.
• A child’s age, sex, background and any characteristics which the court considers relevant
• Any harm a child has suffered or is at risk of suffering
• How capable the parents are of meeting a child’s needs

The court will also consider the reasons a parent has for taking a specific action. For example, if they need to move away from the local area to start a new job, this may be acceptable but moving to prevent the other parent from seeing their child is not.

How do you make a prohibited steps order application?

Usually, before you make a prohibited steps application you must demonstrate to the court that you have made every effort to resolve the matter. You will typically be required to attend a mediation and assessment meeting (MIAM) before a judge will hear your case. There are exceptions to this, such as if there has been domestic violence.

Our expert family solicitors can help you to negotiate an agreement with the other parent, or we can support you through the mediation process. If it is not possible to reach an agreement, we can apply for a PSO to stop your co-parent from taking an action or making a decision that is not in your child’s interests.

Contact our prohibited steps order solicitors

If you are considering applying for a prohibited steps order, please talk to our experienced and friendly family lawyers. Taking court action can be a stressful and long process, so we will guide you through all your options.

If you have no alternative but to apply for a prohibited steps order, we can handle the application for you and represent you in court if you wish. In an emergency, please get in touch with us straight away, and we will advise you whether the court is likely to consider your urgent application.