Specific Issue Orders

What are Specific Issue Orders?

A Specific Issue Order is a type of court order commonly used in family law, particularly in the context of child arrangements in the UK. It arises when parents or guardians cannot agree on particular aspects of a child’s upbringing, and one of them seeks the court’s intervention. A Specific Issue Order is made under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

Many separated parents will reach an agreement dealing with the arrangements for their children.

As parents, you will still need to communicate to make decisions regarding certain aspects of your child’s upbringing (this is part of your Parental Responsibility. However, when you are on divergent paths, it cannot always be easy to agree.

We offer practical advice to try to help you resolve the issues and reach an agreement, with the best interests of the children at heart.

We always try to reduce conflict and see Court as the last resort. Our experience shows us that agreed arrangements, nearly always work better. Our goal is to help you resolve disputes amicably and constructively wherever possible.

Where an agreement cannot be reached, an application can be made to the Court for a Specific Issue Order, for the Court to determine the issue that has arisen.

A Specific Issue Order can be used to deal with:

  • Where a child goes to school.
  • Whether a child should have medical treatment.
  • A child’s religion.
  • Relocating a child – either in the UK or abroad.
  • Taking a child on holiday – where the other parent refuses without reason.

A Specific Issue Order can be made on its own or it may be made with another Order such as a Child Arrangements Order.

Where an application to Court is made, our specialist family layers have the knowledge and the experience to guide you through the Court process and help you get to grips with the issues you are facing.

At Hart Reade, our family law team have many years specialist experience exclusively in family law, giving you confidence that your legal advice can be trusted at what can be an uncertain time.

Free Legal Appointment

Our Family Department offers a free 30 minute appointment to all clients.

At that appointment we will discuss and review your circumstances and give you preliminary legal advice.

We will also review with you, in general terms, your options in respect of the divorce, finances or children matters and also provide a cost estimate.

The 30 minute appointment will be free of charge and there will be no obligation for you to use our services.

Get in touch

If you wish to speak to any of the family law team about subjects such as divorce, financial resolution, or anything else relating to family matters and civil partnerships, then please get in touch. You can call us on one of the numbers below to arrange an appointment or please fill in the form below and someone will get in touch.

Telephone one of our offices

Please telephone the following numbers to arrange an appointment:

Eastbourne: 01323 727321

Hailsham: 01323 841481

Polegate: 01323 487051

We will maintain complete confidentiality and discretion at all times.