Our prohibited steps solicitors specialise in resolving issues without conflict. Many of our team are members of Resolution, the family law group that is committed to resolving matters constructively without resorting to litigation.
We hold the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law accreditation, which was awarded in recognition of our expertise in providing legal advice and our high standards of client service.
Contact your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol on 0117 909 4000 to speak to one of our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors now.
Alternatively, use our simple enquiry form to ask questions or request a call back.
How our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors in Bristol can help you
A Prohibited Steps Order will be tailored to your specific circumstances and can serve a number of different functions. At Henriques Griffiths, we provide a full range of services for Prohibited Steps Orders, including:
- Making the application
- Emergency Prohibited Steps Orders
- Removal from jurisdiction
- Change of school
- Medical treatment
- Name change
- Relocation
- Access to information
- Specific events
For more information about our Prohibited Steps Order services in Bristol, see our child law, Child Arrangements Orders and family law pages.
Prohibited Steps Order FAQs
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a party from carrying out their parental responsibilities and undertaking certain activities relating to children. It is a broad umbrella term that encompasses a variety of actions, including changing a child’s school, changing their name, or removing them from the country. It usually lasts until the child turns 18 unless detailed to last for a specific amount of time.
To obtain a Prohibited Steps Order, you must first make an application to the family court, specifying the desire for a PSO. Unless exempt, you may need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), as this would allow the dispute to be resolved amicably outside of court. Both parties will present their cases in court if litigation is required before a PSO is issued.
Individuals with parental responsibility towards the child can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order. If you feel that the matter is urgent, you can apply for an emergency PSO. These are intended for situations where there is immediate danger to a child’s welfare and are issued on an expedited basis to quickly protect the child’s welfare. They are only granted if sufficient evidence is available that suggests the child is in danger and last until a further hearing is arranged with both respondents present.
Henriques Griffiths appreciates the conflict and emotional stress that parenting disputes can have on a family and will attempt to resolve this issue without creating further distress. Contact our Bristol office for expert Prohibited Steps Order advice.
Why would a Prohibited Steps Order be granted?
A Prohibited Steps Order is a matter of judicial discretion and, as such, is never guaranteed. The court will always prioritise the safety of the child, so the decision is granted depending on the prospective outcome of the PSO on the child’s welfare. Nevertheless, there are certain scenarios where it is more likely that a PSO will be granted:
- Prevention of immediate harm.
- If the child is at risk of abduction.
- History of irresponsible parenting decisions.
- Significant changes in upbringing.
If you feel that your child is at risk of one of the above factors or in any other way due to irresponsible parenting, it is critical to seek legal consultation from a Prohibited Steps Order solicitor and apply for a PSO.
You can also apply for an emergency Prohibited Steps Order if you feel the matter is urgent. Contact your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol on 0117 909 4000 to speak to one of our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors now.
How long does it take to get a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order is usually processed within six to eight weeks. An emergency PSO takes effect immediately and lasts until a ‘return’ hearing in court is arranged with both respondents.
What happens if I break a Prohibited Steps Order?
Breaking a Prohibited Steps Order will result in legal punishments dependent on the severity of the breach and the context of the case. Some PSOs feature a power of arrest, meaning that the individual can be arrested without a warrant if found guilty of breach of a Prohibited Steps Order. Other possible consequences include:
- Being issued with a Warning or Enforcement Order.
- Fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.
- Change in custody or child visitation rights.
- Likelihood that the court will have a more negative view of the offender in future parenting disputes.
If you would like to find out more about the terms of Prohibited Steps Orders in Bristol, contact the Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol on 0117 909 4000 to speak to one of our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors now.
How much is a Prohibited Steps Order?
The standard fee for filing a Prohibited Steps Order with the family court is £237. However, other legal costs can be incurred, as well as aid packages for those who qualify. You will be required to pay to attend an MIAM if you must attend one, which usually costs £120 per person. Nevertheless, some mediators offer a scalable fee based on income. You will be required to pay solicitors fees. At Henriques Griffiths, we pride ourselves on transparency and will provide a complete quote prior to beginning the process.
If you are under financial duress, you may be able to claim Legal Aid. Check the UK Government website to see if you are eligible.
Why choose Henriques Griffiths’ Prohibited Steps Order solicitors in Bristol?
At Henriques Griffiths, we have provided excellent service to our clients for almost 50 years, providing practical and empathic solutions for complex legal issues.
You will find our solicitors appreciative of your situation and capable of utilising the details of the case to give you the best possible chance of achieving your desired outcome.
Independent recognition of our expertise
We hold the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law accreditation and have team members in the family law group Resolution.
We are also Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for our high standards of practice management and client care and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in confirmation that we meet their exacting legal and professional standards.
Contact our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors in Bristol today
Speak to one of our Prohibited Steps Order solicitors now by contacting your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol or Winterbourne.
Alternatively, use our simple enquiry form to ask a question or request a call back.
