A Prohibited Steps Order can prevent one parent from making a significant change to a child’s life or upbringing that the other parent disagrees with.
When two or more people share parental responsibility of a child, it’s unlikely that their ideas about what’s best for the child will always align.
In most cases, it is possible to come to an amicable agreement, however in instances where an agreement can’t be reached, a Prohibited Steps Order may be applied for by the opposing person.
Applications for a Prohibited Steps Order can be made to the court, and if successful, they prevent a parent or guardian from performing an activity with the child.
What could warrant a Prohibited Steps Order?
When applying for a Prohibited Steps Order it’s important to remember that the child’s welfare will always be the key consideration in the court’s decision-making process.
Examples of the type of activity or decisions that may warrant a Prohibited Steps Order include if a parent or guardian wants to:
- Move abroad with child.
- Change the child’s school.
- Change the child’s surname.
- Allow child to have a medical treatment or operation.
- Give the child a religious education.
When can a Prohibited Steps Order be used?
Prohibited Steps Orders are not restricted to parents, they can be made by anyone with parental responsibility, including guardians and those with a Residence Order in relation to the child.
However, you cannot apply for a Prohibited Steps Order when the child in question is in the care of a Local Authority or aged 16 or older.
For more help and advice with applying for a Prohibited Steps Order, please speak to one of our specialist solicitors here at Lund Bennett by giving us a call on 0161 927 3118.