A prohibited steps order is a court order that prevents a parent or other person from taking a specific step in relation to a child without the court's permission. It is one of the specific issue orders available under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
A prohibited steps order can be used to prevent a wide range of actions. Common uses include preventing a parent from taking a child out of the country or removing them from their current school, preventing a parent from changing the child's surname, preventing a parent from allowing a third party to have unsupervised contact with the child, and preventing a parent from relocating with the child to a different part of the country.
Where there is genuine urgency. For example, where a parent is about to remove a child from the country without the other parent's consent. The court can grant a prohibited steps order on a without notice basis, meaning the other parent does not need to be informed before the hearing. This can be done very quickly, sometimes on the same day.
For less urgent applications, the court will list a hearing at which both parties can attend and make representations.
To obtain a prohibited steps order, you need to demonstrate that the step you wish to prevent is contrary to the child's welfare. For urgent without notice applications, you also need to show why giving notice to the other party would not be appropriate, for example because doing so would put the child at immediate risk.
Yes. It is common for prohibited steps orders to be made alongside child arrangements orders or non-molestation orders where there are overlapping concerns about a child's safety and welfare.
A prohibited steps order can be made for a specific period or indefinitely. The court will review it if either party applies for a variation or discharge. If the circumstances change, for example if a travel ban is no longer needed once a formal child arrangements order is in place, the order can be discharged.
A prohibited steps order prevents a parent from taking a specified action without court permission. It can be obtained urgently where needed, including on a without notice basis. It is commonly used to prevent international removal, school changes, or unsupervised third-party contact. It can be made alongside other family court orders.
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