When parents separate, disagreements can arise about important decisions affecting their child’s life.
Two key legal tools used in these situations are Specific Issue Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders. While they are closely related, they serve different purposes and understanding the distinction can help you choose the right legal route.
What Is a Specific Issue Order?
A Specific Issue Order is used when parents cannot agree on a particular decision concerning their child’s upbringing. Rather than dealing with overall living arrangements, this type of order focuses on resolving one specific matter in the child’s best interests.
Examples of issues that may be decided by a Specific Issue Order include which school a child should attend, whether they should undergo medical treatment, or whether they can relocate to a new area. The court will consider all relevant factors and make a decision that provides clarity and stability for the child moving forward.
What Is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order, by contrast, is designed to prevent a parent from taking a specific action relating to the child without the court’s permission. It effectively restricts certain decisions where there is concern that the proposed step may not be in the child’s best interests.
This might include preventing a parent from removing a child from the country, changing their school, or making significant changes to their living arrangements. The purpose is protective, ensuring that important decisions are not made unilaterally.
Key Differences Between the Two
The main difference lies in their function. A Specific Issue Order asks the court to decide what should happen, while a Prohibited Steps Order asks the court to prevent something from happening. One is about resolving a dispute; the other is about stopping a potentially harmful or disputed action.
Both orders are focused on the child’s welfare, which remains the court’s primary consideration at all times. The court will assess the child’s needs, stability, and the potential impact of any decision before making an order.
Getting the Right Legal Advice
Deciding which order is appropriate can be complex, particularly when emotions are involved. Early legal advice can help clarify your options and ensure the right application is made.
At Fitz Solicitors, we provide clear, practical guidance on Specific Issue Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders, helping parents resolve disputes and protect their child’s best interests with confidence.