Prohibited Steps Orders

What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order is a court order made under the Children Act 1989. It enables you to apply to the court to stop the other person with parental responsibility making decisions about your child or children, that you do not agree with. This order is often used where there is a real risk that one parent may act without consent or in a way that could negatively affect the child.

Prohibited Steps Orders rarely exist in isolation. They often form part of wider disagreements about parenting arrangements and decision‑making and may be used alongside Child Arrangement Orders.

We know that your child’s well being comes first, and few things matter more than keeping them safe. If you need help or advice about applying for a Prohibited Steps Order, our family law team is here to support you. From your initial free consultation through to resolution, we will guide you through every step of the process, helping to protect you, your child, and your family’s future.

When Might a Prohibited Steps Order Be Needed?

Prohibited Steps Orders are commonly used to prevent:

• A parent removing a child from the UK or relocating them without consent
• A child being taken to live elsewhere
• A change of school without agreement
• Non‑urgent or disputed medical treatment
• A child being exposed to safeguarding risks
• Changing a child’s surname without consent
• Name changes
• Contact with certain Individuals

If you are concerned that action may be taken very soon, it may be possible for us ask the court to act urgently.

If you have concerns that your child could be removed from your care by the other parent, a Prohibited Steps Order prevents that parent from being able to do so.

Prohibited Steps Orders and Child Arrangements Orders

Prohibited Steps Orders often arise during deeply emotional and sensitive situations, particularly where there are concerns about where a child lives or how they spend time with each parent.

They are frequently applied for:

• As part of wider Child Arrangements proceedings
• Alongside a Specific Issue Order
• On an urgent standalone basis where immediate protection is needed

Do You Need to Go to Court for a Prohibited Steps Orders?

We will always support you through alternative disputes resolution (ADR) methods, however court action may be appropriate immediately where:

• There is a risk of harm to the child
• A parent intends to act without consent
• The situation is urgent
• Safeguarding concerns are present

If court action is needed, you won’t face it alone — we will support, advise, and represent you at every stage.

Find out more on Family Court Hearings & Representation

Urgent and Emergency Prohibited Steps Orders

Where there is a genuine risk that a parent may act quickly—such as taking a child abroad or moving them without consent—an urgent or emergency application can be made.

Our family law solicitors regularly assist with:

• Same‑day advice
• Emergency court applications
• Interim orders to protect a child
• Ongoing representation at subsequent hearings

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 at Family Court. Having legal representation highly recommended.

Our child arrangement solicitors will help protect your parental responsibility, and will:

• Explain exactly what the order prevents you from doing
• Present information in court a way that strengthens your case
• Challenge the order if it is unreasonable or unnecessary
• Seek variations where the order is too restrictive
• Ensure you do not accidentally breach the order
• Make sure you do not miss deadlines
• Advise you on what actions are still allowed
• Make sure you do not file incorrect or incomplete paperwork

Legal representation ensures your response is properly prepared, structured and compliant with the Court requirements.

Our Experience With Prohibited Steps Orders

Our family law team has extensive experience dealing with complex and sensitive child‑related disputes. We help hundreds of families every year with complex challenges that arise from child arrangements.

Our friendly and compassionate child arrangement solicitors can help with:

• Advice before making an application
• Preparing urgent and non‑urgent court paperwork
• Representation at family court hearings
• Linked Child Arrangements and Specific Issue Orders
• Enforcement and follow‑up applications
• Challenging Prohibited Steps Orders that prevent you access to your children

Where possible, we aim to resolve matters quickly while minimising conflict for both parents and children.

Our family law team have extensive experience in Child Arrangements, including urgent family applications. The team have a compassionate and straightforward approach and will support you through the entire process.

The Howells family law team specialise in family law issues and have a fantastic track record of dealing with complex cases. Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.

Areas We Cover

Our family law solicitors regularly advise clients across:

• Sheffield, Barnsley & Rotherham
• Doncaster, Leeds and wider Yorkshire area
• Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
• London and nationwide across England and Wales

Flexible Child Arrangement Appointments

We understand that dealing with family law matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of family law services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service.

We can offer advice nationwide on that basis, which can often work out to be cheaper and more convenient, frequently providing representation to family law clients around the whole country.

We can offer our family law legal support via telephone or secure online meetings. This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule.

If your case requires a court hearing, many such procedural matters are now handled remotely too, or if in person we can arrange representation by a suitable local barrister, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way.

If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham. While remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for those with limited digital literacy or access or where safeguarding is critical.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2235 807 to speak to a family law expert or book an appointment today.