Supporting families navigating the post separation FIFO landscape
Written by Hannah McSharer
Parents who work in a fly in fly out (FIFO) or drive in drive out (DIDO) industry will appreciate that this lifestyle can sometimes place a tremendous strain on the mental health and wellbeing of the workers and their families, such that relationships may end as a result of these challenges. For parents navigating the post separation FIFO landscape, there will likely be unique difficulties that arise when it comes to maintaining relationships with their children, noting the prolonged periods of time away from home that are inherent in FIFO work. In these instances, it is important to have a family law team experienced in addressing the unique challenges that the FIFO industry brings when crafting suitable parenting and or property agreements.
At Pippa Colman Family Law, we have significant experience in advising clients navigating the post separation FIFO landscape, including complex family law FIFO arrangements, and we are sensitive to the difficult balancing act that comes with maintaining family life alongside the demands of FIFO employment. We understand that the unconventional nature of FIFO rosters can not only complicate parenting arrangements, but may also impact financial matters and property settlement FIFO cases, and it is crucial that advice is provided at an early stage to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place at separation.
It is important to remember that the schedule of FIFO employment is not a barrier to meaningful parenting, but one that simply requires more thoughtful planning from your legal team. For parents navigating the post separation FIFO landscape, it is important to remember that there is not an automatic rule as to the time that a child or children should spend with each parent. There is no one size fits all approach in family law, and each family situation is unique. If you are navigating a separation, or you are considering a separation at present, then you need a lawyer who can provide thoughtful advice on:
How a parenting agreement might accommodate the unique lifestyle challenges of FIFO employment, including FIFO parenting plans Australia, whilst also being child focused and developmentally appropriate
How the parenting agreement might be crafted given the logistics of FIFO schedules and the ages of the child or children, including practical co parenting FIFO arrangements
What parenting arrangement would best encourage the parent child relationship and limit the pressure faced by FIFO families, whilst also ensuring that the best interests of the child or children are paramount under Australian family law FIFO considerations
How technology can assist in maintaining the parent child connection at all times of the FIFO roster, supporting strong child custody FIFO work outcomes
What parenting arrangements might be appropriate if the FIFO employment came to an end, and how that contingency would be factored into any parenting arrangement, including parenting orders FIFO Australia
How property matters may be impacted if only one parent is in the workforce as a result of the challenges associated with FIFO work, including financial settlement FIFO divorce considerations
Formalising arrangements for FIFO families
The first step in any matter is to see whether an agreement can be negotiated between the parties. Sometimes parties attend a private mediation in an attempt to finalise both parenting and property matters, including family mediation FIFO disputes. Your family lawyer will be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action given your specific circumstances and schedule.
It is important to remember that most parties are successful in resolving matters without the intervention of the Family Courts, and our lawyers at Pippa Colman Family Law have supported many families in creating parenting agreements that meet the individual needs of the child or children whilst also accommodating FIFO rotations and schedules, long distance communication and contingency clauses for last minute roster swaps. A well considered plan can ease the strain at separation, help both parents maintain strong relationships with their child or children, and reduce uncertainty, particularly when supported by experienced FIFO family lawyer Australia professionals.
How we can help
Understanding the options available to you and getting the right advice is important in any family law matter. If you are navigating co parenting whilst you or your partner is working on a FIFO roster, then you need a family law team who understand the unique challenges this industry brings. Our team at Pippa Colman Family Law offer online consultations to ensure that legal advice is accessible, irrespective of your location or schedule, including support for FIFO custody arrangements in Queensland.
Important Disclaimer
The above information is general in nature and provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent legal advice before making decisions about your own circumstances.