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Prohibited Steps Orders

Where there is a danger of children being removed from the Courts Jurisdiction, or it seems that a former partner could intend to take some action with the children which would not be in the children’s best interest, then the Court will make a Prohibited Steps Order. How to apply is explained in the Legal-Zone Prohibited Steps Order package.

The Courts also have jurisdiction to make the following Orders:

Search & Find and Disclosure Orders

These will allow the police or a Court official to enter and search premises where a child might be found and use such force as is necessary to get them back.

Wardship

The High Court has inherent powers to make certain orders regarding children where they have been removed, are in serious danger or at risk. The court will make the child a Ward of Court

This means that the High Court will have responsibility for that child and no orders can be made or action taken which affects the child, unless permission is obtained first from the High Court.

The Children Act allows courts including the High Court to make orders relating to children which allows for most circumstances. Wardship proceedings are therefore only now used in very rare circumstances.