Prohibited Steps Order
What is a Prohibited Steps Order?
A Prohibited Steps Order and prevents a parent or anyone else from doing certain activities with their child by placing restrictions on their parental responsibility.
For example, a Prohibited Steps Order could prevent a parent from making decisions about:
- medical treatment
- taking their child out of school
- removing them from their home, local area or the UK; or
- changing the child’s surname
If you are separated or going through a separation and your former partner is threatening certain actions with your child – such as taking them out of school or their home – then you might consider making a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent them from doing so.
Usually you will need to show that you have attended or attempted mediation before you can apply. However, in some circumstances – such as where there is an imminent threat – an urgent order may be made.
Who can make a Prohibited Steps Order?
The Order is granted by a court, but these people can apply:
- parents
- step-parents
- guardians
- Special Guardians, or
- anyone named in a Child Arrangements Order whom the child will live with
Our Child Care team have considerable experience in advising people who want to make a Prohibited Steps Order and can advise you on the impact of such an order on your family.
Why use Rothera Bray?
We can help you if you:
- would like to make an application for a Prohibited Steps Order or you have received notice of an application for one
- would like to vary an existing order
- want to make a Prohibited Steps Order as a stand-alone application or in conjunction with a Child Arrangements Order
- want to access family mediation in an attempt to reach a resolution
We can represent you at court for contesting such orders.
We may be able to provide Legal Aid where eligible. Give us a free phone call or email to find out.
We can help you with:
- Children and relationship breakdown (child arrangements – ‘custody’ and ‘access’)
- Specific Issue Orders
Send us a message

“We help you make the right decisions in the best interests of your child”
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner
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Posted 9 January 2026
Will was amazing, very quick to respond and professional in my recent experience with the company. Highly recommended.
Karen A
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Posted 7 January 2026
We had an excellent experience working with Amelia. She helped us with setting up trusts for our properties, gifting a property, and preparing our wills, all handled with great professionalism and clarity. Everything was completed to a tight deadline and Amelia ensured the process ran smoothly from start to finish. She also linked us with an accountant and arranged the necessary documentation for related activities and ongoing financial management, which made everything seamless and stress-free. We felt well supported throughout and would highly recommend Amelia’s services.
Matt R
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
S.S
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Posted 5 January 2026
The final run up to completion of our sale was very stressful but we were helped by Luisa, Abbey's assistant. She maintained contact with us and updated us at each stage, extremely calm, empathetic and approachable at all times. She went out of her way to find information for us and keep us informed of the progress.
Residential Sale client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We have recently instructed Rothera Bray for the sale of our house and purchase of our new home. It has been a challenging sequence of events, for various reasons outside of our control, but Abbey Freeman has guided us through it, giving us information and explanations very clearly and answering our questions in a timely manner.
Conveyancing client
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Posted 5 January 2026
We asked Rothera Bray Solicitors - West Bridgford to write our wills and received excellent service and guidance from Talita Fantauzzi. She was professional and friendly in delivering the advice we needed. We would definitely recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors and would use them for any future legal advice and work we may require.
Susan T
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Posted 5 January 2026
I had a really positive experience dealing with George on my settlement agreement. Has was friendly, efficient, and explained everything clearly in plain English, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Communication was excellent throughout. I was kept informed at every stage and any questions I had were answered promptly. The process was handled quickly and professionally. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Suzi
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Posted 5 January 2026
We recently moved house and Julekha and team were amazing. We were kept well informed throughout the selling & buying process and they worked hard to achieve a very tight deadline.
Gary Lee
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Posted 23 December 2025
I purchased my first home with an ex-partner and needed to get an equity transfer completed. The situation was very messy and chaotic involving Help to Buy. Lucy and Karen were beyond helpful in explaining everything and dealing with Help to Buy when they were being not very helpful and slow. I feel that the whole drama would be ongoing without their expertise and help. Thank you.
Kirk
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Posted 23 December 2025
We enjoyed exceptionally good service from Rothera Bray. Jackie Murphy who handled our conveyancing was outstanding. She is highly professional and dealt with enquiries promptly, often on the same day! Her communication was very good and we always felt well informed. I'd have no hesitation in calling on Rothera Bray again.
Mr Page
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Posted 23 December 2025
A brilliant experience from start to finish. A fallen through chain and a few complications on the way, but the service provided was fantastic. Rothera Bray were clear and helpful at all times. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Amy O'Neill
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Posted 22 December 2025
I can highly recommend George Cokkinos at Rothera Bray for advice on a settlement agreement. George took the time to fully understand my situation before giving clear and appropriate advice. He was transparent on fees, kept me updated throughout and handled correspondence with my former employer efficiently. The outcome was positive and the process felt well managed from start to finish.
Anonymous

Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.

David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.

Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.

Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.

Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.

Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.

Skyler Broadhead
Managing Paralegal
Skyler Broadhead is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray Solicitors’ Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices.

Lucy Famakinwa
Paralegal
Lucy Famakinwa is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Hannah Lilley
Paralegal
Hannah Lilley is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Child Care team and is based at our Lace Market and Derby offices. Hannah specialises in care proceedings and private children law matters.

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