Orders · Family · England and Wales
Prohibited steps orders: the practical guide
A prohibited steps order (PSO) is a Children Act 1989 s.8 order stopping a specific act relating to your child - typically: taking the child abroad, moving to another part of the country, changing the child's school or surname, or bringing the child into contact with a named person. It is the family court's "do not do X" order.
When courts make PSOs (real example patterns)
- One parent threatens to relocate abroad without agreement (often paired with passport surrender).
- A parent plans to move the child far away, disrupting contact.
- Concerns a new partner or relative will have unsupervised contact.
- Unilateral school or surname changes.
The court applies the welfare checklist (Children Act s.1(3)) - the child's welfare is the paramount consideration, not either parent's wishes.
How to apply
- Form C100 (same form as child arrangements), tick the prohibited steps section, £270 fee, Help with Fees available.
- MIAM requirement applies - with domestic-abuse and urgency exemptions (PD3A ¶20 evidence list).
- For urgent risk (e.g. imminent removal abroad), file without notice and ask for an emergency hearing; bring evidence - message exhibits are routinely used.
PSO vs non-molestation order vs specific issue order
| Prohibited steps | Non-molestation | Specific issue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Stop a specific act about the child | Protect a person from abuse | Decide a disputed question |
| Law | CA 1989 s.8 | FLA 1996 s.42 | CA 1989 s.8 |
| Breach | Contempt/enforcement | Criminal offence | Enforcement application |
| Fee | £270 | Free | £270 |
FAQ
- How quickly can I get a prohibited steps order?
- In urgent cases the court can hear an without-notice application within days; standard applications follow the C100 timetable (safeguarding checks, FHDRA within a few weeks).
- Can a prohibited steps order stop passport applications?
- Yes - PSOs commonly require passports to be surrendered or prevent applications; there is also a separate HMPO child-alert system for abduction risk.
General information about Children Act 1989 s.8 orders in England and Wales, not legal advice. Sources: Children Act 1989 (legislation.gov.uk); FPR Part 3/PD3A (MIAM); GOV.UK fees (EX50, checked 5 Oct 2026).