What is a Specific Issue Order?

A Specific Issue Order is a court order that determines a parenting issue that is in dispute in relation to any aspect of parental responsibility for a child.

Examples of what a Specific Issue Order can determine are:

• Whether a child should practise a religion or be enrolled at a faith school

• Whether a child should be educated by the state or attend a private school and the specific choice of private school (for example, a boarding school or day school or a school focussed on academic achievement or pastoral care or sports)

• Whether a child should undergo treatment or medical intervention (for example, vaccination, circumcision or receive gender reassignment counselling or hormone therapy)

• Whether a child should follow a specific diet (for example, vegan or a gluten-free diet)

• Whether a parent should be allowed to change a child’s first name or family name

• Whether a parent should be allowed to take a child to their marriage or for the child to be a bridesmaid or page-boy at the ceremony

• Whether a parent should be allowed to introduce their child to a new partner

This list does not show all the possible issues a Specific Issue Order can relate to but instead just shows a range examples.

How do you apply for a Specific Issue Order?

In order to apply for a specific issue order, you and your ex-partner will have had to attempt mediation (mediation would not be required if your case involves domestic abuse).

The form you will have to fill out to apply will be a C100 unless you are already in court proceedings with your ex-partner, in which case a C2 Application would be required.

Who can apply for a Specific Issue Order

To apply for a Specific Issue Order you must have parental responsibility.

People with parental responsibility include:

• The child's parents, guardian or special guardian 

• Anyone named on a child arrangement order

• Step-parents with parental responsibility

How long does a Specific Issue Order last?

A Specific Issue Order will be terminated immediately when the child turns 16 or 18 in limited circumstances.

When can you not apply for a Specific Issue Order?

There are some cases when you will not be able to file a SIO, such as:

• If the child is 16 or older
• If the child is in the care of the local authority