A specific issue order is a court order made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989. It gives “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”.
Either parent is able to apply to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order.
For example, specific issues orders may give direction in relation to the following sorts of issues faced by parents:
- religious upbringing and education
- schooling
- extracurricular activities
- medical treatment
- choice of name
- Any other specific issue which relates to the exercise of parental responsibility for a child
However, specific issues orders cannot be made in circumstances when the same matter can be addressed satisfactorily with the making of child arrangements order and, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such orders do not remain in place after the child has turned sixteen.
As with all child arrangements orders, specific issue orders should always represent the best interests of the child.
Lawyers for specific issue orders
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