You can apply for a Specific Issue Order if you are a parent or guardian of a child and there is a disagreement with the other parent or guardian about a specific aspect of the child's upbringing, such as education or medical treatment. You must first attempt to resolve the issue through mediation or negotiation before applying to the court for a Specific Issue Order. The court will consider the best interests of the child when making a decision.

A Specific Issue Order can be used to address issues related to a child's upbringing, such as schooling, medical treatment, religious upbringing, and living arrangements. It can also be used to resolve disputes between parents regarding a child's name, travel arrangements, and other specific issues that may arise. The order is granted by a court and is legally binding.

To apply for a Specific Issue Order you must fill out a C1 form and submit it to the Family Court. The form should include details of the specific issue you want the court to decide on, such as where a child should go to school or what medical treatment they should receive. You may also need to attend a court hearing to present your case. It is recommended to seek legal advice before making an application.

The court will consider the welfare of the child as the paramount consideration, the child's wishes and feelings, the child's physical, emotional and educational needs, the likely effect of any change in circumstances, the child's age, sex, background and any other relevant characteristics, and the capability of the parents to meet the child's needs. The court will also consider any harm the child has suffered or is at risk of suffering.

To obtain a Specific Issue Order an application must be made to the family court. The applicant must provide evidence of the specific issue they wish to be resolved, such as a dispute over schooling or medical treatment for a child. The court will consider the best interests of the child and make a decision based on the evidence presented.

Yes, you can apply for a Specific Issue Order without legal representation. However, it is recommended to seek legal advice before making an application to ensure that you understand the process and have the best chance of success. The court may also appoint a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) officer to assist with the case.

If the other parent disagrees with the Specific Issue Order, they can apply to the court to have it varied or discharged. They must provide evidence to support their case and attend a court hearing. If they fail to comply with the order, they may be in contempt of court and face penalties such as fines or imprisonment. It is important to seek legal advice if you are unsure about your rights and obligations.

The time it takes to get a decision on a Specific Issue Order can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule. However, the court is required to make a decision as soon as possible.

If a parent does not comply with a Specific Issue Order, the other parent can apply to the court for enforcement. The court may then take various actions, such as ordering the non-compliant parent to pay a fine, ordering them to do a specific action, or even imposing a custodial sentence. The court's decision will depend on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the non-compliance.