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Capitol Family Mediation Camden - Understanding Family Court Orders
Specific Issue Orders in the Camden Family Court
When parents or guardians with Parental Responsibility in the London Borough of Camden cannot agree on a specific, isolated aspect of a child’s upbringing, they can apply to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order (SIO).
This order, issued under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989, asks the court to resolve that single point of dis
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What are Considered "Specific Issues" in the Family Court
A Specific Issue Order focuses on resolving a clear, defined dispute. It is not used to decide who the child lives with or spends time with—those matters are handled by a Child Arrangements Order (CAO).
SIOs cover a wide range of decisions that materially affect the child’s life:
Education – Decisions about which school a child should attend or whether they should be educated at home or boarding school.
Health and Medical Care – Decisions about specific medical treatments, vaccines, or therapeutic needs like counselling or physiotherapy.
Name Change – Whether the child’s surname can be changed (e.g., from one parent’s surname to the other, or to a double-barrelled name).
Relocation – Whether a parent can move the child to a new location within the UK, especially if it affects the other parent’s contact time.
Travel and Holidays – Whether a child can go on a specific holiday abroad when the other parent refuses consent.
Upbringing and Lifestyle – Decisions about a child’s religious upbringing or participation in activities such as modelling, competitive sports, or aesthetic procedures.
Restricting Contact – In limited cases, preventing a specific individual (not a parent) from having contact with the child.
The Courts Approach to Specific Issue Orders
When considering an application for a Specific Issue Order, the Judge will apply the Welfare Checklist from the Children Act 1989. The court will focus on which decision best meets the child’s needs and long-term welfare, rather than siding with either parent.
In most cases, the court will require parties to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before filing the application, as SIO disputes are often highly suitable for mediation.
Family Court Serving the Camden Area
The London Borough of Camden is located centrally and is served by the main Family Court hub.
Court Name: Central Family Court
Address: First Avenue House, 42–49 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NP
Public Phone: 0300 123 5577
General Enquiries: 020 7421 8500
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Handles Cases: Special Issues Orders (SIOs), Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs), divorce, and financial remedies for the Camden area.
Capitol Family Mediation. Family and Civil Mediation for Families and Businesses
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Capitol Family Mediation -Helping With Family Court Orders
Capitol Mediation Camden supports individuals and families across Camden, where family law matters are typically handled by the Central Family Court. The court deals with issues including Special Issues Orders (SIOs), Child Arrangements Orders (CAOs), divorce, and financial remedies.
Mediation provides a structured and impartial process to resolve disputes without relying solely on court intervention. It helps reduce conflict, encourages open communication, and often provides a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to litigation.
Capitol Mediation Camden guides clients through the mediation process with clarity and professionalism, helping families reach practical and workable agreements.
Learn more about how family mediation can help – read our mediation frequently asked questions here.
Call our team on 0208 719 0001 to find out more about mediation support in Camden.