Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help..
A court order stopping a parent from taking a specific action in relation to a child — for example, taking the child abroad or changing their school — without the court's permission.
In Plain English
A court order that stops a parent from doing something specific with a child, such as moving them to another country or changing their school. You cannot take that action without the court's permission.
This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
A "gap" is a common assumption people hold going into family court, set against what the court actually does. The bold line below is the assumption — not a fact. The reality underneath is what the court typically observes.
Gap #511
The assumption
A parent cannot stop the other parent collecting a child from nursery or school.
The reality
A court can make a prohibited steps order to stop a parent removing a child from a carer or institution. Where such an order is made, breaching it can amount to contempt of court. Whether an order is made depends on the facts and the court's assessment of risk.
Gap #327
The assumption
(Wardship / Child's Own Application) Once a prohibited steps order is made restricting what a parent can do, the parents can agree between themselves to relax or set it aside if they later agree.
The reality
Once made, only the court can vary or lift a prohibited steps order. Parents cannot informally agree to relax its terms between themselves, however much their own views may have changed. From 18 December 2026, the Family Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2026 (S.I. 2026/1124) set out the procedure for proceedings reviewing relevant prohibited steps orders under the Children Act 1989.
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