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 7 August 2026
I was recommended to use Rothera Bray by a family friend. The staff at Rothera Bray worked relentlessly. They showed a high level of professionalism, and were extremely supportive throughout my divorce and separation, particularly while dealing with a very challenging opposition. They gave me peace of mind, and I always felt safe in the knowledge that I was being well supported during what was an incredibly difficult time in my life. I will always be grateful for the advice, guidance, and compassion they all showed throughout the process. I would never wish for anyone to find themselves in a situation requiring legal support, but if they do, your team will be the first I recommend without hesitation.
Craig Watts
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Posted 7 August 2026
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Nelissa at Rothera Bray in Loughborough. She has the ability to make complicated issues understandable, to enable you to consider options and reach a decision (we were completing our wills and updating a Deed of Trust). Additionally Nelissa is very thorough, approachable and efficient, producing our documents within days. Nelissa feels like ‘a safe pair of hands’ .
Sandra Simpson
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Posted 7 August 2026
Talita Fantauzzi provided a five star client experience when rewriting our wills for us - she was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Martin & Glynis
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Posted 6 August 2026
Isabella & Nelissa were both superb in their handling of the Estate of my late mother. They gave helpful advice with regular updates & quick responses to questions asked. They are without a doubt professional & proficient in what they do. I have no hesitation in recommending them & the firm of solicitors they represent, and will use them again in the future.
Shaun Gathercole
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Posted 5 August 2026
I cannot thank Rothera Bray Loughborough enough; my house move should have been straight forward, but several hiccups happened along the way. I did both my sale and purchase through them and had excellent service. They were supportive, offered great advice and updates and was their when I had multiple queries. Luisa was amazing, she was there for me when I didn't understand certain queries and was a really calm influence when I was worried about queries I had on the property I was buying. I would 100% recommend Rothera Bray and if I did ever move again I would use them in a heartbeat. Thanks so much!!
Rachael Turner
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Posted 4 August 2026
We have used Rothera Bray in the past, when dealing with my late mother's estate. Everything was handled really well, so I contacted Kerry Redfern at their Mapperley branch to sell a property I owned, which was intended to provide retirement funds. Kerry handled everything in a timely manner. The whole process was far less stressful than I had feared and here we are on completion day, with the money in our bank. I feel that Kerry's knowledge in relation to selling property, is extensive and she has guided us through every step of the process. As with probate after my mother's death; and also Rothera Bray dealing with an equity release situation, which facilitated my brother remaining in my late mother's home; I cannot fault the service we have had from them. I feel confident they can successfully deal with any situation that may present in the future where the services of a solicitor are required. We are grateful to them.
Property sale
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Posted 4 August 2026
George helped me with every step of the process when I was facing redundancy, offering invaluable advice and helping me to complete the settlement agreement from my workplace. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend George and Rothera Bray to expertly handle matters, particularly for Employment law/redundancy services.
Scott C
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Posted 4 August 2026
I recently used Rothera Bray for a house sale and purchase. The service I received from Ellie Robinson was top tier I was always kept up to date with the progression of the sale and purchase if ever I had any queries they were always answered quickly. My purchase wasn't straightforward there were a few teething problems with the property we were buying that needed to be sorted to make sure we weren't going to be in a bad situation after purchasing and Ellie made sure she went through everything with a fine tooth comb and everything was right before completion. Grace Millward also helped with things and was great. I would definitely recommend this company.
Michelle Dakin
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Posted 3 August 2026
The solicitor I worked with Fatima Altaf was efficient and personable, sharing realistic information and managing our expectations on what was possible, while also always working in our best interest to understand and progress the outcome to our needs and desired outcomes. We would be very happy to recommend Rothera Bray, we found the whole team to be very supportive, positive and dynamic, we were always informed of updates and there were no gaps or unexpected surprises throughout the process.
Wesley
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Posted 3 August 2026
Rothera Bray Solicitors have been absolutely brilliant from start to finish. They helped get me into my new property in what felt like record time, making the entire process smooth and as stress-free as possible. Their professionalism was outstanding throughout, but what really stood out was how friendly, supportive and approachable they were at every stage. Lucy and Karen were both fantastic and are a real asset to Rothera Bray Solicitors. I cannot thank them enough for all their help. I would be more than happy to recommend them to anyone in the future, and I would not hesitate to use their services again myself.
Rebecca Towler
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Posted 31 July 2026
As a first-time buyer, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Carol and the entire team were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the conveyancing process. They kept me informed at every stage, answered all of my questions promptly, and took the time to explain the legal process in a way that was easy to understand. Their communication was excellent, and I always felt confident that my purchase was in safe hands. Despite the complexities involved, everything was handled efficiently, and the transaction was completed smoothly. I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and professional conveyancing solicitor. Thank you again for helping me purchase my first home.
Vipul
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Posted 31 July 2026
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help and guidance throughout this process. Your advice made a huge difference and gave me the confidence to understand the agreement properly, ask the right questions, and make an informed decision. I really appreciate the time you took to explain everything clearly and support me through what has been quite a difficult situation.
AM

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
Senior Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Senior 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.

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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