Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) — Clear Guide & Urgent Help

Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) | England & Wales

McKenzie Friends with 20+ years of experience. Here we explain what Prohibited Steps Orders are and how to apply.

Key Takeaways

  • Type of court order that prevents a specific action about a child without the court’s permission.
  • Common uses: stop removal from England & Wales, keep the same school, prevent a name change.
  • Apply using a C100 Form (and C2 Form if you don't have parental responsibility).
  • Add a position statement to clearly explain your arguments in court.
  • Urgent cases: You can ask for a without-notice (ex-parte) hearing when there’s real immediacy. You'll need a witness statement.

Watch the 1–2 minute explainers

Family Law Decisions Video
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
1–2 min • Introduction
Family Law Decisions Video 2
Urgent Prohibited Steps Order (without-notice)
1–2 min • Urgent cases
Tip: include a position statement to make the hearing easier

What is a PSO?

  • Tells a parent/person with care what they must not do regarding a child.
  • Must be clear and specific (no vague wording).
  • The court’s first concern is the child’s best interests.

Urgent PSO (without-notice)

Used where there’s a real risk of immediate harm or a major imminent change (e.g., taking child abroad).

1
Evidence urgency. Dates, tickets, messages, school letters, police ref, etc.
2
File C100 (and C2 if you need permission). Mark “without-notice” with reasons.
3
Create a witness statement. Factual timeline, risk, evidence.
4
Attend hearing. If granted, expect a short hearing without the other party present.

How to apply

  1. Attempt mediation unless an exemption applies.
  2. C100 application: application. Form C2 if you need permission to apply.
  3. Position/witness statement: 1–3 pages, clear and factual.
  4. File & serve: (court will direct on service if without-notice).
  5. First hearing: directions and any interim orders.
We can help draft your position or witness statement and all necessary forms.

FAQs

No. The PSO must relate to a parental responsibility matter, but the respondent doesn’t have to hold PR. Welfare of the child is paramount.

Same day in some courts with credible immediacy. Otherwise, a rapid listing shortly after filing is common.

Where a child is competent and clear, their wishes are weighed carefully but best interests still decide the outcome.

If a Child Arrangements Order is the proper route, the issue is trivial, or the order requested is effectively a different type (e.g., Non-Molestation/Occupation).

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