A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a court order that prevents a parent from taking a specific action relating to a child.

It is used when one parent believes that a particular decision could be harmful or not in the child’s best interests.

The order stops that action from taking place unless the court gives permission.

A Prohibited Steps Order can prevent actions such as:

• removing a child from the country

• relocating a child to another area

• changing a child’s school

• changing a child’s surname

• making certain medical decisions.

The purpose of the order is to protect the child while disagreements are resolved.

A Prohibited Steps Order is usually requested when parents share parental responsibility but disagree about a decision affecting the child.

If one parent believes the proposed action could negatively affect the child, they may ask the court to prevent that action.

To apply for a Prohibited Steps Order, a parent usually submits a C100 application form to the Family Court.

The court will then consider the circumstances and decide whether the action should be prevented.

In urgent situations, the court may deal with the application quickly.

A Prohibited Steps Order may last for a specific period of time or until the court decides the issue has been resolved.

The length of the order will depend on the circumstances of the case.