Separated parents are often unaware that they may be required to obtain permission from the other parent in order to take a child out of the country (i.e. anywhere other than the United Kingdom). The legal requirements for obtaining permission will vary in accordance with what child arrangements order has been made, if any. The legal starting point is to consider who has parental responsibility. If both parents have parental responsibility and there is no child arrangements order – 'lives with' (previously known as a residence order) in place, then neither parent can take a child outside of the UK without the written consent of the other parent (and any other party with parental responsibility) or an order of the court. This rule applies whether or not parents are separated. In England and Wales, if there is a child arrangements order in place which specifies who the child is to live with (the resident parent), then the resident parent does not require the written consent of the non-resident parent to take the child outside the UK for a period of up to 28 days, providing that this does not interrupt any contact arrangements that the child may have with the non-resident parent. This specific rule does not apply in Scotland. If a parent is unable to agree on matters with the other parent (or parties with parental responsibility), it may be necessary to apply to the court for a specific issue order, requesting the court to grant permission to travel outside of the jurisdiction with a child. Alternatively, if a parent who has refused consent fears that the other parent will still take steps to remove the child from the UK, an application to the court for a prohibited steps order to prevent the child from being taken out of the UK by the other parent may be required. When making any decision about a child, the court's primary consideration is the welfare of that child and their best interests.