A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is issued by the Family Court to prevent a parent or anyone with parental responsibility from making a specific decision about your child without the court’s permission.
A Prohibited Steps Order usually applied to children under the age of 16 and they are designed to protect the child’s welfare above all else.
If you are worried that the other parent may make an important decision about your child without your consent, you may be able to apply for a prohibited steps order. The court will always consider what is in the best interests of the child, taking into account their safety, stability and overall wellbeing.
What Can a Prohibited Steps Order Cover?
A prohibited steps order can prevent a parent from taking certain actions, including:
- Taking a child out of the country
- Moving the child to a different school without agreement
- Changing the child’s name
- Consenting to a medical procedure for the child
These examples are not exhaustive; the order can cover any action that the court believes may affect the child’s welfare or parental rights.
Applying for a Prohibited Steps Order
Most applicants are required to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making a court application. This requirement may be waived in urgent situations, such as:
- Risk of harm to the child
- Risk of unlawful removal of the child from the UK
Where a MIAM is required, our family law Mediation team can arrange this as part of our service.
Once the court grants a prohibited steps order, the application and the order must be personally served on the other parent or any individual with parental responsibility. Our solicitors ensure the entire process is carried out correctly so the order is legally effective.
If You Have Been Served with a Prohibited Steps Order
If you have received a prohibited steps order, you will be required to attend a hearing. Having legal representation at this stage is highly beneficial. Our family law solicitors support clients on both sides of prohibited steps order applications and can guide you through the next steps clearly and confidently.
Complying With a Prohibited Steps Order
Once imposed, it is essential to comply with the terms of the order. Failure to do so can amount to contempt of court, and the other parent may apply for enforcement. At this stage, the court may also consider whether a Specific Issue Order would be a more appropriate long‑term solution.
A specific Issues Order enables you to make a decision about your child or children in respect of a 'specific issue' concerning their welfare even if the other person with parental responsibility disagrees.
Why Choose Our Family Law Solicitors?
- Extensive experience in prohibited steps orders and urgent family applications
- A compassionate, clear and practical approach
- Local expertise supporting families across Reigate, Camberwell, Farnham and Fleet
- Assistance with MIAMs, applications, representation and enforcement
- Support for both applicants and respondents
At Venters we specialise in family law issues and have an experienced team here to help you with prohibited steps orders and other emergency orders. Please call us on 01737 229 610 or email info@venters.co.uk
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