Prohibited Steps and Specific Issue Orders

Prohibited Steps Orders

A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a legal measure used to prevent a person from undertaking a specific action concerning a child. This type of order is typically sought when there is a concern that a parent or guardian might make a decision that could negatively impact the child’s welfare.

Common examples might include:

  • Preventing a parent from removing a child from your care and control, or from the care and control of any person with whom you entrust their care, i.e. school, nursery, grandparents
  • Preventing a parent from removing a child from their school, or moving them to a different school
  • Stopping a parent from taking a child out of the country without your consent
  • Preventing a course of medical treatment that you do not agree with

Specific Issue Orders

A Specific Issue Order (SIO) is used to resolve a particular question about a child’s upbringing that parents cannot agree on. This order helps in making decisions that are in the best interests of the child when parents are at an impasse.

Common examples might include:

  • Returning a child to a parent’s care after contact when the child has been retained
  • Deciding whether a child’s surname should be changed
  • Determining which school a child should attend
  • Handing over of a child’s passport for travel

When Are These Orders Needed?

These orders are necessary when parents or guardians cannot agree on significant decisions affecting their child/rent’s life. They are particularly crucial in situations where one parent’s actions might pose a risk to the child’s welfare or when there is a need to resolve a specific dispute about the child’s upbringing.

How a BWS Law Can Help

Our specialist team are highly successful in helping to facilitate discussions between our clients and another parent/party to reach an amicable agreement without court intervention. This can be done through written correspondence on in telephone consultations. Warning letters can be sent to encourage the other party to cooperate which often circumvent the need to take further steps, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Where negotiation is not possible or progressing matters, we can refer our clients for a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with a family mediator to seek resolution. A solicitor can guide you through the process to explore alternative dispute resolution.

If an agreement is reached, our solicitors can draft a consent order for you and submit it to the court for approval, ensuring the agreement is legally binding and thus enforceable.

If negotiation and/or mediation do not resolve the issue, our expert team can assist in preparing and submitting the necessary court applications, such as the C100 form, and represent you in court proceedings.

As part of any application, the court will conduct initial safeguarding checks through Cafcass/Cafcass Cymru, and our solicitors will help and guide you to navigate this process.

Make An Enquiry

To find out more about how we can help you, please call us on now on 01509 232611 or Click here to make an enquiry.

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Specialist Resolution Solicitors

Resolution is an organisation committed to following a non-confrontational and constructive approach. The Code of Practice promotes a constructive approach and considers the whole family, in particular the children.

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Let us help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence and care. Contact us for a free initial telephone call today to secure the best possible outcome for your child/ren’s future.

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What our clients say about us

Lita B.
3 days ago
Excellent service
Clare G.
4 days ago
Clare at BWS Law was excellent from start to finish, great communication and always responding in a timely manner. She has acted for me for my last three house moves and I would thoroughly recommend BWS Law.
Roger P.
4 days ago
We were extremely well supported by BWSLaw in the sale of our property which was complicated by including a leasehold element of the sale. Michelle Green in particular was very good at soothing my frustration with the others in the transaction, in spite of often sharing my point of view. The process was well laid out and followed up from the start, and the rapid conclusion was managed so that it all came together smoothly. The costs were reasonable and very clear at all times. Thank you BWS, especially Michelle!
Liam G.
1 week ago
BWS Law Solicitors represented me recently and I was very thankful for their professionalism and quick turn around for what I needed. Would 100% recommend them if you're in need of a Solicitors! A+++
Nick W.
2 weeks ago
Reanne was amazing with her reply and response rate. Probably one of the best solicitors we've dealt with in regards to communications. Would highly recommend.
Geraldine H.
2 weeks ago
We’ve recently moved house, Clare and her team made the process as stress free as possible. They gave a thoroughly professional service, keeping us fully informed throughout. Would highly recommend BWS Law!
Sarah W.
3 weeks ago
I contacted BWS in a bit of a panic, as we needed to alter our lease with our landlords in a really short amount of time. Michelle Green talked through the the documentation with me, explaining clearly what needed to happen and put my mind at ease. The whole process from start to finish was simple and efficient, and the cost was very reasonable too. I would definitely recommend their services, and would use them again, if needed to do so. Thank you to all!
Jonathan D.
4 weeks ago
We have used BWS Law previously to facilitate a property sale and decided to use them again to arrange our personal wills. Georgia and Hollie were highly professional, proficient and provided us all the advice we needed. Any amendments were expeditious and we had it all completed very quickly. Highly recommend.
Meesha R.
4 weeks ago
We used BWS Law for the sale and purchase of our property. Rachel and Leanne were brilliant from start to finish. We just left them to it, which was a weight off our shoulders. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough or thank them enough for such a smooth sailing experience.
Ashley J.
1 month ago
Very happy with their handling of the sale of our investment flat. Rachel Howell (our main contact) was accessible and returned messages when we had a query. In her absence on holiday, Nicole, her deputy was just as good. This is the second time our family has used this firm. Highly recommended. Only point to note is not to rely on their online monitoring system. It doesn't really keep up with things - or didn't in our case - but not an issue for us.