Children Act 1989 Orders

Prohibited Steps Orders & Specific Issue Orders

When parents cannot agree on a specific decision about their child — or when urgent action is needed to prevent harm — the court can make a prohibited steps order or specific issue order under the Children Act 1989.

PDA Law handles urgent and contested applications for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2.

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Understanding the Two Types of Order

Both orders are available under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. The right order depends on whether you need to prevent an action or resolve a dispute.

Prohibited Steps Order (PSO)

Prevents a parent from taking a specific action in relation to a child without the court's permission.

Common examples:

  • Preventing a parent from taking a child abroad
  • Preventing a change of school without consent
  • Preventing a change of the child's surname
  • Preventing a parent from introducing a new partner to the child
  • Preventing removal from the jurisdiction

Specific Issue Order (SIO)

Resolves a specific dispute about a child's upbringing where parents cannot agree.

Common examples:

  • Which school a child should attend
  • Whether a child should have a medical procedure
  • Whether a child should be baptised or follow a particular religion
  • Whether a child can travel abroad for a holiday
  • Where a child should live when parents disagree

How the Court Decides — The Welfare Checklist

The court's paramount consideration is the welfare of the child. It applies the welfare checklist from Section 1(3) of the Children Act 1989.

1

The ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child (in light of their age and understanding)

2

The child's physical, emotional and educational needs

3

The likely effect on the child of any change in circumstances

4

The child's age, sex, background and any relevant characteristics

5

Any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering

6

How capable each parent is of meeting the child's needs

7

The range of powers available to the court

Funding Your Legal Fees

Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.

If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.

Explore all funding options

We do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a prohibited steps order?
A prohibited steps order (PSO) is a court order under the Children Act 1989 that prevents a parent from taking a specific action in relation to a child without the court's permission. Common examples include preventing a parent from taking a child abroad, changing their school or changing their surname.
What is a specific issue order?
A specific issue order (SIO) is a court order that resolves a specific dispute about a child's upbringing where parents cannot agree. The court decides the issue — for example, which school the child should attend, whether they should have a medical procedure, or whether they can travel abroad.
How quickly can I get a prohibited steps order?
In urgent cases — for example, where a parent is about to take a child abroad without consent — the court can grant an emergency prohibited steps order on the same day, without notice to the other parent. We can advise on whether an urgent application is appropriate and act immediately.
Do I need to attend mediation before applying?
In most cases, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before making a court application. However, there are exemptions — including where there is domestic abuse, urgency, or where the other party refuses to attend mediation.
How does the court decide?
The court's paramount consideration is the welfare of the child. The court applies the welfare checklist from the Children Act 1989, considering the child's wishes and feelings (depending on age and understanding), their physical and emotional needs, the likely effect of any change, and any risk of harm.
Do you handle these applications in Chester, Wrexham and Ellesmere Port?
Yes. PDA Law handles prohibited steps and specific issue order applications for clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14, Mold CH7, Northwich CW9 and Crewe CW1/CW2. We appear in the Family Court at Chester and can represent you at courts across the region.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”

Rebecca H.

Family law client, Chester

* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.

Martin Dias, Family Law Executive with almost 30 years experience at PDA Law

Your Family Law Specialist

Martin Dias

Family Law Executive

Divorce · Financial Settlements · Children MattersAlmost 30 Years' ExperienceFinancial Remedy & Pension Sharing Specialist

Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.

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We advise clients across Chester CH1/CH2, Ellesmere Port CH65, Wrexham LL11–LL14 and throughout Cheshire and North Wales. Urgent applications available.