What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?

What Is a Prohibited Steps Order — And How Is It Different from a Specific Issue Order?

If you’re navigating child arrangements after separation, you may hear about both Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.

Understanding the distinction is crucial. One is protective and preventative; the other is decision-making and determines a specific outcome. Choosing the correct application can significantly affect both strategy and outcome in family proceedings.

What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is made under the Children Act 1989 in England and Wales. It prevents a parent (or someone with parental responsibility) from taking a specific action regarding a child without the court’s permission.

In simple terms: it stops something from happening.

It is commonly used to prevent actions such as:
•    Removing a child from the UK
•    Changing a child’s school
•    Relocating to another area
•    Changing a child’s surname

It’s typically sought where there are safeguarding concerns or a real risk that one parent may act without the agreement of the other.

What Is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order, also made under the Children Act 1989, does the opposite. Instead of stopping an action, it asks the court to decide a particular question when parents cannot agree.

In simple terms: it asks the court to approve or determine something.

For example:
•    Which school a child should attend
•    Whether a child can relocate
•    Whether a child should receive certain medical treatment

The Key Difference

•    Prohibited Steps Order.  This is sought to prevent a specific action.
•    Specific Issue Order.  This is sought to resolve a specific disagreement by asking the court to decide.

Both orders exist to protect a child’s welfare — which remains the court’s paramount consideration under the Children Act 1989.