England & Wales
Prohibited Steps Order
Family Court (Form C100)
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Who can apply
Parents, anyone with parental responsibility, anyone with a child arrangements order, others with leave of the court.
Grounds
Prevents a specific step that could be taken by a parent in meeting their parental responsibility (e.g. removing child from school, country, changing surname, medical decisions).
Evidence required
Welfare-focused: child's wishes, harm/risk of harm, parental capability, evidence of the threatened action (e.g. travel booking, school correspondence). Often used alongside non-molestation orders.
Duration
Until child is 16 (sometimes 18) or further order.
Breach consequences
Contempt of court — fine, imprisonment, or sequestration. Criminal child abduction offences may also apply.
Legal aid
Available with domestic abuse evidence.
Apply for this order
Download the official application forms, see where to send them, and get free advice. Forms link to the government publication page so you always get the current revision.
Download the forms
Where to send / file
- Apply online — Children Act online application service
- Find your nearest Family Court (England & Wales) Use the 'Domestic abuse' filter — applications are filed at your nearest Family Court counter or by post.
- Check if you qualify for legal aid Means-tested; evidence-of-abuse requirement is satisfied by many DA indicators.
Free advice & helplines
Tip: Use our Templates page for a Part 22 witness statement, position statement, chronology and Scott Schedule to attach to your application.
Underlying legislation: View the Act