Mandatory Information Program (MIP)

The Family Mediation Centre
Mandatory Information Program

On December 17, 2009, the Attorney General announced its commitment to improving the family justice system to make it faster, more affordable and less confrontational. These improvements are based on the following four pillars:

More information up-front for families;
A triage or intake approach that directs clients to appropriate and proportional services;
Greater access to legal advice and alternatives to litigation; and
Streamlined and simplified process for those cases that must go to court.

The Primary Initiative

The Mandatory Information Program (MIP) has been chosen as the primary initiative to implement the first pillar.

MIPs are available at all family court locations across Ontario. MIPs provide attendees with information about separation/divorce and the legal process, including:

The effects of separation and divorce on adults and children
Alternatives to litigation
Family law issues
The Family Court process
Local resources and programs for families facing separation and/or divorce

Family Court Case

If either spouse/parent has started a family court case, and it is contested, both spouses/parents must attend separate MIPs as the first step in the case. There are some exceptions to this rule including:

Parties in cases that are proceeding on consent (where both parties agree to the order that is being requested)
Parties in cases in which the only claims made are for a divorce, costs, or an order incorporating the terms of an agreement or prior court order
Parties who have already attended a MIP
Parties whose matters only deal with changing child or spousal support provisions and/or who have attended a Motion to Change Seminar in lieu.
Parties who obtain permission from the Judge that they do not have to attend (e.g. if attendance would cause them hardship).

MIP's

MIPs are 2 hours in length and delivered by local lawyers and Mental Health Professionals. MIPs are delivered in each family court location on a schedule developed at the local level.

When the application or motion to change is filed, the court will schedule you and the other party to attend different MIP sessions, and provide you with MIP Notices. The applicant must serve the Respondent with his or her MIP Notice along with the other documents.

The Mandatory Information Program (MIP) is currently being

presented by our team members in an on-line format.

For further information or to book a Mandatory Information Program (MIP) in your area, please telephone or email:

LONDON:

london@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 700

WINDSOR:

windsor@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 709

ST THOMAS:

stthomas@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 701

STRATFORD:

stratford@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 702

WOODSTOCK:

woodstock@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 703

CHATHAM:

chatham@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 704

SARNIA:

sarnia@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 705

GODERICH:

goderich@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 706

WALKERTON:

walkerton@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 707

OWEN SOUND:

owensound@mediationsouth.com
1-888-796-0483 Ext. 708