At Premium Solicitors, our specialist family law solicitors provide expert legal advice and representation in relation to Prohibited Steps Orders in England and Wales. If you are concerned about decisions being made regarding your child without your consent, our experienced team of family law solicitors can help you apply for urgent protection through the Family Court.
We understand that disputes involving children can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our family law solicitors work closely with parents, guardians, and family members to protect the welfare and best interests of children through effective legal solutions.
What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a type of court order made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It prevents a parent or another person with parental responsibility from taking a specific action regarding a child without the court's permission.
A Prohibited Steps Order is commonly used when one parent believes the other may take actions that could negatively affect the child’s welfare or breach existing agreements regarding the child.
The Family Court will only grant a Prohibited Steps Order where it considers the order necessary and in the best interests of the child.
When Can a Prohibited Steps Order Be Used?
Our family law solicitors can assist you in applying for a Prohibited Steps Order in various situations, including:
- Preventing a parent from removing a child from the UK
- Preventing international child relocation
- Stopping a parent from changing a child’s school
- Preventing unauthorised changes to the child’s surname
- Preventing a child from being moved to another area within the UK
- Preventing exposure to harmful individuals or environments
- Restricting medical decisions made without agreement
- Preventing a parent from taking the child without consent
- Preventing interference with existing child arrangements
If you need urgent legal help, our family law solicitors can assist with emergency applications to the Family Court.
Who Can Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order?
The following individuals may apply for a Prohibited Steps Order:
- A parent with parental responsibility
- A guardian or special guardian
- A person named in a Child Arrangements Order
- Other individuals with permission from the court
Our experienced family law solicitors can assess your circumstances and advise whether you are eligible to apply.
How Our Family Law Solicitors Can Help
At Premium Solicitors, our dedicated family law solicitors provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of Prohibited Steps Order applications, including:
- Detailed legal advice regarding your rights and options
- Preparing and submitting court applications
- Drafting witness statements and supporting evidence
- Emergency and urgent court applications
- Representation at Family Court hearings
- Negotiating child arrangements between parents
- Advice regarding parental responsibility disputes
- Enforcement and variation of court orders
We aim to resolve family disputes constructively wherever possible while prioritising the welfare and safety of the child.
Emergency Prohibited Steps Orders
In urgent situations, the court may consider an emergency or a without notice application where there is an immediate risk to the child. For example, if there is a concern that a parent may remove the child from the UK without consent, urgent legal action may be necessary.
Our specialist solicitors can prepare urgent applications quickly and represent you before the Family Court.
Factors Considered by the Court
When deciding whether to grant a Prohibited Steps Order, the court’s primary consideration is the welfare of the child. The court may consider:
- The child’s wishes and feelings (depending on age and maturity)
- The child’s emotional, physical, and educational needs
- The potential risk of harm
- The capability of each parent to meet the child’s needs
- The likely effect of any changes in circumstances
Our experienced family law team at Premium Solicitors can help present strong evidence to support your application.
Why Choose Premium Solicitors?
Our team of specialist family law solicitors at Premium Solicitors is committed to providing professional, practical, and compassionate legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
Why clients choose us:
- Experienced family law solicitors
- Clear and practical legal advice
- Competitive fixed fees available
- Urgent appointments available
- Face-to-face and remote consultations
- Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Representation throughout England and Wales
We understand the urgency and sensitivity of disputes involving children and work proactively to protect your legal rights and your child’s welfare.
Specialist Prohibited Steps Order Solicitors in London
Our family law solicitors are specialists in applications for prohibited steps orders. As one of the best family law solicitors, we have an excellent track record of helping clients with applications for prohibited steps orders. Our highly experienced and fully qualified family law solicitors can provide fast, friendly, reliable advice and legal representation for your application for a prohibited steps order.
The high quality of legal services provided by our best team of family law solicitors is self-evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating by 99% of our clients. Our London-based family law solicitors are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of divorce and family law cases. Our family law solicitors bring more than 5 decades of collective, specialised expertise to handle divorce and family law matters.
Meet Our Team of Family Law Solicitors in London
At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our family law solicitors in London. We understand that divorce and family law matters are life-changing events, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process with professionalism and care.
Our team comprises a diverse group of family law solicitors, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your needs.
Nazamah Munir Akhtar
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Arshad Mahmood
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Tushita Scalzullo
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Divorce & Family Law SolicitorLanguages Spoken By Our Team
At Premium Solicitors, we prioritise clear and effective communication in all legal matters. Our team of specialist divorce and family law solicitors offers multilingual legal services, ensuring clients receive accurate advice in a language they fully understand.
By removing language barriers, we help minimise misunderstandings and handle your case with clarity and confidence.
Languages we speak:
English | Urdu | Punjabi | Hindi | Farsi | Italian | German | Marathi
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Family Law Solicitors
Are you seeking expert legal advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of family law solicitors and lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated family law specialists. Our expert team of family law solicitors and lawyers can provide detailed advice and consultation, face-to-face in our London office or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:
Our family law solicitors are ready to assist you with your application for a prohibited steps order. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.
Our Fees for Prohibited Steps Order Applications
We can act for you on an hourly rate basis for your application for a prohibited steps order or a specific issue order, at £245 + VAT per hour. In addition to our fees, you must pay all disbursements, including the court fee and the Barrister's fee.
Get a Fee Quote for Your Prohibited Steps Order Application
At Premium Solicitors, we believe in transparency and simplicity. We offer fixed-fee quotes for our specialist divorce and family law services.
Ready to get started? Use the link below to request a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs.
How to Engage Us for Your Divorce and Family Law Matter?
You can instruct divorce and family law solicitors in London at Premium Solicitors for your divorce and family law matter by getting in contact with us using one of the following means of contact:
Call Us: 0044 20 3930 3900
Email Us: familylaw@premiumsolicitors.co.uk
Complete Enquiry Form: Send your enquiry through our website enquiry form
Book an Appointment Online: You can book an appointment with one of our specialist divorce and family law solicitors in London for detailed advice and consultation on your matter.
FAQs - Prohibited Steps Orders
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the prohibited steps order applications:
A Prohibited Steps Order is a court order made under the Children Act 1989 which prevents a parent or another person with parental responsibility from taking certain actions concerning a child without the permission of the court. These orders are commonly used to protect a child’s welfare and prevent disputes between parents.
A Prohibited Steps Order can be used in various family law situations, including:
- Preventing a parent from taking a child abroad without consent
- Stopping a parent from changing a child’s school
- Preventing the removal of a child from the other parent’s care
- Restricting contact with certain individuals
- Preventing a change of the child’s surname
- Stopping relocation within the UK or overseas
The following individuals can usually apply for a Prohibited Steps Order:
- A parent of the child
- A guardian
- A person with parental responsibility
- A person named in a Child Arrangements Order
In some cases, other individuals may require permission from the court before making an application.
The family court will always consider the best interests and welfare of the child as the paramount consideration. Factors considered may include:
- The child’s safety and wellbeing
- Risk of harm or abduction
- The child’s emotional and educational needs
- The wishes and feelings of the child (depending on age and maturity)
- The impact of the proposed action on the child
Yes. One of the most common reasons for applying for a Prohibited Steps Order is to prevent a parent from removing a child from the UK without the other parent's consent or the court's permission.
The timescale depends on the urgency of the matter. In emergency situations, the court can make an urgent or an ex parte order without notice on the same day if there is an immediate risk to the child.
Evidence may include:
- Witness statements
- Text messages or emails
- Travel bookings or relocation plans
- Police reports
- School records
- Medical evidence
- Social services involvement
Strong evidence can help demonstrate why the order is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.
Yes. In urgent situations, the court may make a without notice Prohibited Steps Order if informing the other party could place the child at risk or defeat the purpose of the application.
A Prohibited Steps Order may last for a specified period or until the child reaches the age of 16, depending on the circumstances of the case and the court’s decision.
Breaching a Prohibited Steps Order is a serious matter. The court may impose penalties, including:
- Enforcement orders
- Fines
- Community service
- Changes to child arrangements
- In serious cases, imprisonment
Grandparents or other relatives may apply, but they often need the court's permission first unless they already have parental responsibility or an existing court order concerning the child.
Yes. Family law proceedings involving children can be legally and emotionally complex. Specialist family law solicitors at Premium Solicitors can prepare strong evidence, represent you at court hearings, and help protect your child’s best interests.
Yes. Either party can apply to vary or discharge the order if circumstances change or it is no longer necessary.
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents certain actions from being taken regarding a child, whereas a Specific Issue Order asks the court to make a decision about a particular issue relating to the child’s upbringing, such as education, religion, or medical treatment.
Yes. At Premium Solicitors, our experienced team of family law solicitors can provide expert legal advice and representation for Prohibited Steps Order applications, urgent child protection matters, and other children's law proceedings throughout England & Wales.