Prohibited Steps Orders: How to Legally Prevent Unauthorised Changes in Your Child’s Life

• Posted onFebruary 17, 2026

What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is a court order that prevents a parent from taking a specific action involving a child without the other parent’s consent. It is often used urgently to stop risky or harmful decisions such as relocating a child, changing schools, or removing them from the UK.

When Might You Need a Prohibited Steps Order?

Common scenarios include:

• Attempted relocation in the UK or abroad
• A parent threatening to change a child’s school, surname, or GP
• Concerns about a parent refusing to return a child following contact arrangements
• Preventing exposure to unsafe individuals
• Disputes around medical treatment

A PSO is designed to pause the situation until the court can consider the issue properly.

Who Can Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order?

You can apply if:

• You are a parent
• You have Parental Responsibility, or
• permission of the court

Most urgent PSO applications are made by parents.

How Do You Apply for a Prohibited Steps Order?

Attend a Mediation Information and Assessment meeting with a Mediator (unless urgent or exempt)

For emergencies, such as the risk of abduction, this step can be skipped.

File a C100 application

If urgent, tick the “without notice” box so the court can look at the application urgently .

Emergency Hearing

The court may make a temporary order the same day if there is a credible risk.

Further Hearings and Evidence

Cafcass may be involved, and both parents can present evidence.

Final Order

The judge decides what actions are prohibited, and for how long.

How Quickly Can a PSO Be Granted?

Urgent orders can be made within 24 hours, sometimes the same day, if there is a genuine risk of harm. Non‑urgent applications take longer and follow the standard family court process.

Act Quickly If You Believe Your Child Is at Risk

Prohibited Steps Orders are powerful tools for protecting a child from sudden, disruptive, or harmful decisions. If you believe a parent may act without consent, seek legal advice immediately, timing is often critical with PSO applications.

Speaking with WSP Solicitors’ family law specialists can ensure your child’s best interests remain at the centre of every decision.

To find out more you can visit our Child law pages. You can get in touch with the team using the form on this page or by visiting here. Alternatively you can call us on 01453847200.