A Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) is an order granted by the court in family cases which prevents either parent from carrying out certain events or making specific trips with their children without the express permission of the other parent. This is more common in cases where there is suspicion that one parent may leave the area with their children.
We have all heard the stories of a parent taking their child for the weekend and not returning them or going abroad with them and it becoming extremely difficult for the other parent to get their child back. Thankfully, this is one of the scenarios that a PSO seeks to prevent.
Can I Take My Child on Holiday?
You can only do this if the court agrees. In order for that to happen, you must appear before a magistrate and prove that you are not likely to leave the country and not come back. It also has to be something that your ex-partner agrees to.
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The answer to this is yes, but only if all parties are in agreement and can satisfy a magistrate at Family Court. If there have been instances in the past where visitation rights have been exceeded or ignored, the magistrate may feel he or she has no other choice but to rule against any proposed changes to the order. Also, he or she must take into account the effects such changes may have on the child (or children).
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
What Can I Do If The Other Parent Doesn't Come Back?
There is no easy way to deal with this question – the chances are if they have taken them to a country that has not entered into an agreement with the UK, it may be hard to have your child returned to you. At present there are 45 countries that have entered into an agreement with the UK to help with the recovery of a child in these circumstances.
Does The Prohibited Steps Order Apply Just to Holidays?
No, a PSO also applies to any jurisdiction within the UK as specified by the court at the time of issue. For example, if the court finds that there are grounds to suspect the parent in question may take their child out of the area, then they may specify in the order that they do not do so. Failure to comply with this order is a criminal offence (often charged as kidnapping) and could result in a custodial sentence.
I need some advice on how to go about this. As apparently he can get an order to stop me ?
Kind regards
Upon moving my ex immediately aplied to remove m parental rights etc. I spend 7 weeks per year with my daughters (clearly I would like more).
My ex has remarried and has since two new children with him.
Our youngest (of our two daughters) had this week stated that her name at School is now referred to as her new husbands and not mine. She is now almost seven years old. Our eldest daughter (almost 10yrs old still has my surname) I was not informed of this new 'known as name'.
Q. How do I apply for a 'prohibited steps order??'
Can my sons father attend tomorrow and try and get a pso order on me even though they granted me one ?
Also I have been a victim of domestic violence which was proved at the same day hearing 2 weeks ago ! Please can someone help me to understand what the next hearing is for ? And what my ex will try and do ?
i have a restraining order in place as a result of domestic violence..
more recently my ex partner has been turning up at school and last night tried to take my son against his will.
he doesnt have any regular contact with the children in place as refuses to see a solicitor. as doesn't believe he should have to pay for one in order to see the children. where as its important to me that we have things arranged and set out properly for his and the childrens benefit.
i was hoping there was something I could do to prevent his father from being able to turn up at school or after school clubs to remove them as they serving my care.
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