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 12 May 2026
We instructed Rothera Bray Solicitors to act on our behalf for the sale and purchase of our properties in Derby. Lucy & Karen were our points of contact. Everything went smoothly and feedback to us was very good indeed. We were so impressed with the Rothera Bray team, our son on our recommendation has also instructed them to look after their sale and purchase. A five star service which me and my wife would highly recommend.
Gavin Aitken
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Posted 9 May 2026
We have used Sara Odedra multiple times for our house buying / selling - she has just helped us to buy our dream and forever home and we cannot be more grateful. She is fantastic, has excellent communication and we cannot thank her enough!! Would definitely recommend.
Glenn Parks
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Posted 8 May 2026
Our experience of working with Kerry and Beccy has been nothing but positive. They have made what can be a very stressful experience much less stressful. The communication between us has been great, they have been prompt in responding to my emails but also with the other solicitors involved in our house sale and purchase. They have been attentive and thorough, we felt confident in their ability and service from the very beginning. I would recommend Rothera Bray to friends and family. This is the third time I have used this firm and they would be my first choice should I need a solicitor in the future.
Aimee Crawford
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Posted 8 May 2026
Ellie guided us with our help to buy payment from start to finish. She was very polite, friendly and even had to chase me up on stuff which I really appreciated as it can usually be the other way round. She continuously kept us in the loop and even let us know when she was going to be on annual leave in case we couldn’t reach her at any point. Help to buy are notorious for their lack of communication and Ellie smoothed this out for us and made this so much easier. Grace was also fantastic at taking over our account when Ellie was on annual leave and she also kept us in the loop of the proceedings. Thank you both!
Coral
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Posted 7 May 2026
I had an excellent experience working with Jo and the team at Rothera Bray throughout my first home purchase. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They explained every step of the process clearly, which was especially helpful as a first-time buyer. The team was prompt in responding to my questions and kept me updated regularly, ensuring I felt informed and reassured. They handled the legal paperwork efficiently and smoothly, making what could have been a stressful process much more manageable. Overall, I highly recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors to anyone looking for reliable and friendly legal support when purchasing a home. Their expertise and dedication made my first home purchase a positive experience.
First Time Buyer
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Posted 6 May 2026
Following the death of our mother, we sought advice, guidance, and help with the probate and potential inheritance tax processes... We were not disappointed. From start to finish, Nelissa Hicks and Rothera Bray solicitors have provided a super-professional and speedy service. We'd recommend anyone, regardless of position and requirements to your needs, engage with them at the earliest opportunity, as we will do so again in the future.
Trevor F
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Posted 6 May 2026
Joanne handled my conveyancing case with great professionalism and patience. The volume of emails coming from the estate agent in the south was overwhelming, and the process became far more stressful than it should have been. Despite this, Joanne and Nirvair managed every stage as effectively as possible and were consistently on top of everything. I truly appreciated their dedication and professionalism throughout. I would only choose Joanne to act for me in any future conveyancing matters, and I’m confident I’ll be using her services again.
Wing
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Posted 4 May 2026
I had a really positive experience working with Will during my employment redundancy. He took the time to clearly explain all the legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand, made sure I was fully aware of my options and offered guidance wherever I needed it. What could've been a very stressful and overwhelming process felt much more straightforward and manageable. I'd highly recommend Will to anyone needing expert and approachable employment law advice.
Isha T
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Posted 2 May 2026
Very pleased with the services of Rothera Bray. Marneya did an excellent job managing a very challenging situation. He successfully secured the lease and remained extremely proactive and professional throughout the negotiations. Marneya was a pleasure to work with and would highly recommend.
Robert
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Posted 1 May 2026
The whole process was a delight and I very much appreciate the professional, straight forward way in which you dealt with myself and my sister. May I thank you very much indeed for all your work in this matter and please be assured that Rothera Bray will be my first choice for any further matters of this nature.
Dr Gregg
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Posted 30 April 2026
Great support, always keeping us in the picture. A first rate service at a very competitive price. I would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray conveyancing services.
Simon Wilton
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Posted 29 April 2026
Ed, thank you so much for your totally efficient service over this work and especially the speed with which you have turned everything around. You really have starred throughout. We are extremely grateful to you.
Trust clients

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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