Specific Issue Order

A specific issue Order is an Order giving directions for the purpose of determining a specific question which has arisen, or which may arise, in connection with any aspect of parental responsibility for a child.  There is a considerable potential overlap between specific issue Orders and prohibited steps Orders.  Due to the overlap we have gathered all examples here.

What issues would need to be dealt with by a specific issue Order or prohibited steps Order are very open ended.  However, by way of example, it has been held that this power extends to compelling a parent to tell a child the truth about its paternity.

Disputes often arise over choice of religion.  However, children of mixed heritage are generally allowed to decide for themselves which, if any, religion they wish to follow.

When parties separate one or other may wish to change the name of a child.  Where they both have parental responsibility this cannot be done without agreement.  Where only one parent has parental responsibility they can change the surname without agreement and a Court Order would be required to prevent this.  Where the Court is asked to rule on the issue then the change of name would not normally be allowed unless there was evidence this would lead to an improvement in the welfare of the child.

The Court can make Orders regulating where a child is to be schooled. 

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