A prohibited steps order is a legal order made by a court that prevents one or both parents from taking certain actions in relation to their child without the permission of the court or the other parent. This order is usually made in cases where there is a dispute between the parents regarding a decision about their child's upbringing.
A prohibited steps order can be made on a wide range of issues, including preventing a parent from taking the child out of the country, changing their name, or changing their school or place of residence. The purpose of the order is to protect the best interests of the child and prevent any harm that could result from a parent taking unilateral action without the agreement of the other parent.
Prohibited steps orders are often made in conjunction with other court orders, such as child arrangement orders or specific issue orders. For example, if there is a dispute about which school the child should attend, the court may make a specific issue order to determine this issue, and a prohibited steps order to prevent either parent from unilaterally changing the child's school without the other parent's consent.
When making a prohibited steps order, the court will take into account a number of factors, including the child's welfare and the relationship between the child and each parent. The court will also consider any evidence of harm or potential harm that could result from a particular action, such as a risk of abduction or emotional harm.
It's important to note that a prohibited steps order is a legally binding order, and failure to comply with it can result in serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment. It is also possible to apply to the court to vary or discharge a prohibited steps order if circumstances change or if there is a need for a new order to be made.
Overall, a prohibited steps order is an important legal tool that can help to protect the best interests of a child and prevent unilateral actions that could cause harm. By preventing one or both parents from taking certain actions without the agreement of the other parent or the court, it can provide a framework for cooperation and collaboration in the upbringing of the child. If you have questions about this type of order, then please contact me