A Prohibited Steps Order is a legally binding order that prohibits someone, typically a parent, to stop another parent from making decisions about their children/child. A Prohibited Steps Order can stop a parent from exercising their parental responsibility.
What can a Prohibited Steps Order prevent from happening?
As mentioned above, Prohibited Steps Orders can be quite significant on how parents use their parental responsibility, so they are mainly used for critical reasons. In cases of separated parents, the first step for child-related decisions is usually a Child Arrangement Order, but if a resolution cannot be made then the court will grant a Prohibited Steps Order.
A Prohibited Steps Order could be used to prevent:
- A parent from changing their child’s surname
- A parent from moving a child from their school/nursery
- The child from meeting a specific person
- A parent from moving a child outside of the UK
- A parent from moving a child away from their home or local area
- A parent from allowing a child to undertake dangerous medical treatment
The Prohibited Steps Orders usually last until the child turns 16 years old, but courts can set less or more time depending on each case. Typically the court imposes a duration that will serve the child’s best interests.
How to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order
If you are looking to get a Prohibited Steps Order put in place you must make an application to the family court usually via a family law solicitor who will be able to guide you through the legal process and who is aware of your individual case.
Our family law team can assist and support you and your ex-partner to try and resolve any issues in a professional and caring way without impacting your children’s health.
Having good legal representation can save your family a lot of stress. Our family law solicitors have years of experience and have the knowledge to deal with any case.
