Introduction – What is a Prohibitive Steps Order?
Co-parenting after a separation isn’t always easy. Especially if communication is strained or trust has been broken between parents. While many separated parents can agree on decisions about their children. Others find themselves at odds over finding solutions.
You may be worried that your ex-partner might make a major decision without your input. For example like taking your child abroad, changing their school, or even altering their surname. You may need to be consider a Prohibited Steps Order if this is the case.
This court order can stop anyone with parental responsibility taking actions without permission. We share what a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is, who can apply. When it might be used, how the process works, and what to expect in court.
What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A prohibited steps order is a legal order. It stops people who have parental responsibility from doing something important for the child’s upbringing. They cannot make decisions unless they get permission of the court. This type of order is made to keep the child’s upbringing safe. It makes sure no steps are taken which could harm their welfare, unless the court says it is okay.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? – Why Use One?
You may need this order if there is a risk of harm or if there has been domestic violence. It can also be used when you want to make decisions around your children but you cannot agree with your ex. This order can help you stop the other parent from making choices alone.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Difference from a Specific Issue Order
A specific issue order helps deal with a wide range of parental decisions. For example where your kid goes to school. A prohibitive steps order is different. It stops one parent from doing certain things, like changing school or moving away, unless the court agrees.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Who Can Apply?
To start a prohibited steps order application, you must have parental responsibility. Parents whose names are on the child’s birth certificate, usually get this right automatically. Grandparents do not have this and will usually need to get approval or the permission of the court before they can start an order application.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? What Can Be Prevented?
A Prohibitive Steps Order (PSO) may prevent:
- Moving to a different area or another country
- Changing the child’s name
- Changing schools without agreement
- Some medical choices or how to raise the child in a religion
- Keeping the child away from the child’s parents or other people who look after them
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Keeping Focus on the Child’s Upbringing
Everything the court does should put the best interests of the child first. A prohibited steps order is set to give the child a stable upbringing for a specified period of time.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? When a PSO Is Needed
Parents most often want to reach an amicable agreement around child arrangement orders. However, in such cases when there is no trust between them, a court order can be the safer choice.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? When Is Mediation Not Enough?
Sometimes, you might not have to take part in mediation. This is true if there is domestic violence, safety worries, or quick threats. In these cases, the court can give emergency orders fast. Our mediators will be able to assess you at your MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) to let you know if mediation is the right process for your situation. Following your assessment your mediator will be able to give you a MIAM certificate which you may need to show the court to prove that mediation is not right for you.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Preparing Your Steps Order Application
You start by going to your MIAM (Mediation Information Assessment Meeting) Unless you are exempt. A mediator will be able to advice if you qualify for an exclusion. After that, fill in your C100 form.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Filling the C100 Form Correctly
To apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, you’ll need to complete a C100 form. This is the official application used in the family court for most types of child arrangements. This includes a prohibited steps order application or a specific issue order.
The form asks for details about the child, the nature of the dispute, and what you want the court to prevent or decide. It also includes sections on any concerns about domestic violence, risk of harm. Or if the child is currently under the care of a local authority. If safety is a factor, you may also need to submit a C1A form alongside it.
The C100 form can be filled in online or on paper and is submitted to the family court along with the fee. If you’re applying for an emergency order or without the other party’s knowledge. (Called a “without notice” hearing). This must also be explained clearly on the form.
The C100 will require the following information.
- Write out your full name and your child’s details.
- Say what you want to stop from happening.
- Give your reasons — talk about the risk of harm or any danger.
- Be sure to mention if this is part of a child custody case and give proof, like your child’s birth certificate.
After you file, you will get a court date. If it is urgent, the judge can give you an interim order. If not, the case preparation will continue
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? What Happens If We Need Extra Help?
Some cases can be hard, like when someone is threatened with having to move. These may need more than one hearing and extra reports.
In urgent situations, emergency orders can be given right away. This often happens at the first hearing. The goal is to keep things as they are until the next step.
The court looks at the interest of the child first. It checks all the proof, watches the other parents actions, and thinks about the safety of the child. After this, the court will give, change, or refuse the order.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Duration of the Order
PSOs can stay in place for a specified period of time. They can last until the child turns 16. In some cases, the order can be indefinite. This depends on what is best for the child’s well-being.
Breaking a prohibited steps order is taken as breach of court. If you do not follow this order there can be fines or you could be sent to jail.
A prohibited steps order is there for a reason, so it is important to stick to it.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? What to Do If I Want To Change the Order
If you already have a court order in place but feel it no longer suits your child’s needs. ou When this happens you can apply to the court to have it changed. Life moves on—children grow, people relocate, and situations shift. It’s not unusual to need a review at some point.
You’ll need to make a formal application using a C100 form. This is also used when applying for a specific issue order or steps order application. You must explain why you believe the current order is no longer in the best interests of the child. In many cases, the court will consider whether there has been a significant change since the order was made.
If you are your ex disagrees with any change it might be possible to submit a consent order. This shows that arrangements are made on amicable terms. Any changes must still have the approval of the court to be legally binding. When you’re trying to make positive changes, the court will always focus on what is in the interest of the child.
What is a Prohibitive Steps Order? Alternatives to Court
Going to court isn’t always the only option. Especially if both parents are open to communicating. Mediation helps parents discuss and agree on the child’s upbringing, where they will live, or what school they will attend. Mediation can help you reach agreements without the stress and cost of court proceedings.
Keeping Your Child’s Interests At Heart
Whether you are in a court hearing or trying to sort things out on amicable terms outside of court, always ask yourself, “What’s in the best interests of the child?” Doing this helps everyone stay focused and make good choices. It also lowers the risk to your child’s well-being.
A child can share what they think or feel. They can do this by talking or by writing. But the best interests of the child will always come first based on the law. Child inclusive mediation is a way to bring children into the conversation, for them to have a say in the plans for how they will be cared for. Older children are generally mature enough to understand who they want to live or spend time with and this can be included within the mediation conversation. The mediator will speak to them separatly and will be able to include their wishes into the mediation
Do We Need a Court Order?
Yes, you can stay out of court if you and the other person agree during mediation. Mediation can help you get a child arrangement order or a specific issue order for the same things you would go to court for.
Is My Ex Arranging a PSO As A Punishment?
It’s important to understand that a prohibited steps order (PSO) is not designed to punish a parent. Instead, it exists to protect the best interests of the child when parents can’t agree on key decisions, or when there’s a concern that one parent might take steps that could cause harm. The interest of the child is always at the heart of family law. A PSO simply stops a specific action from being taken without the court’s permission—like changing a child’s name, moving them to a different area, or taking them abroad.
The court carefully considers all the facts, including any risk of harm, and issues the order only if it’s necessary for the child’s safety or well-being. Even if one parent is seen as the offending party, the purpose of the PSO is to protect the child—not to assign blame. The order is typically made for a specified period of time, and the aim is always to promote cooperation and ensure that both parents can focus on the child’s needs going forward.
How Do I Get a Prohibited Steps Order in the UK? Conclusion
A Prohibited Steps Order is a big step, but it can help keep your child’s welfare safe. You need to fill out the right forms, have clear proof, and always keep your child’s needs first. This will help you feel more sure as you go through the steps. If you are not sure about what to do, Call 03300 101 367. National Family Mediation, we can help you choose the best way forward.
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