home | about us | specialist areas | contact us | our fees

Prohibited Steps

Where parents cannot agree on the arrangements for a child’s upbringing the Court can prevent somebody from doing something. For example, the court can make orders preventing a child being taken out of the country without a parent’s consent - Prohibited Steps Order.

When making decisions about a child the Court will be guided by the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount.

When deciding what is in a child’s best interest, the Court will consider the child’s own wishes and feelings in the light of his/her age and understanding, his/her emotional, educational and physical needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, his/her age, sex, background or any other relevant characteristics, any harm which he/she has suffered or may suffer and the ability of each parent or carer to meet his or her needs.

If there is an immediate risk of something being done which may affect your child, for example if there is a risk that the child is about to be taken out of the country, we may be able to make an urgent application to the court, without giving notice to the other party.

We can also advise you about what steps can be taken to prevent somebody applying for a passport for your child.