Information
Services
Information & Referral Coordination
IRC
Provides information and direction to services available in your community.
Mandatory Information Program
MIP
This program provides information about separation, parenting and the Ontario court system.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL COORDINATOR
WHAT DOES AN IRC DO?
The Mediation Centre Ontario Inc. provides an Information & Referral Coordinator (IRC) at the Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) in 10 courthouse locations across Southwestern Ontario.
An IRC:
- Answers questions about MIP requirements and completing the program.
- Provides information in person at Court, via email, or by telephone.
- Provides referrals for mediation (both on-site and off-site) at the courthouse.
- Serves as liaison with community agencies.
- Promotes awareness of the Family Law Information Centres at courthouses.
- Works closely with family court staff, advice lawyers, and other relevant service providers.
INFORMATION FREE OF CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC
Information & Referral Coordinators maintain current publications and media in the FLICs. They keep an up-to-date list of programs and services in the community accessible to the Court, lawyers, court staff, and anyone living in the areas surrounding the courthouses we serve.
Information provided on non-legal issues related to family law:
Separation
Divorce
Child protection matters
Alternative dispute resolution
Community resources
If you are unsure of what information you need, an IRC can help you determine your needs and provide information so you can make a referral to the appropriate resource.
MANDATORY INFORMATION PROGRAM
WHAT DOES A MIP COVER?
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
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO ATTEND A MIP?
The Court will provide you with a MIP Notice. This will be included in your initial court documents.
Court Documents
Filed
When an application or motion is filed, the court will schedule you and the other party with MIP Notices.
MIP
Notices
The Court will provide you with a MIP Notice.
Applicant Serves
Respondent
The applicant must serve the respondent with their MIP Notice along with the other documents.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MANDATORY INFORMATION PROGRAM (MIP)
WHERE DO I ATTEND THE MANDATORY INFORMATION PROGRAM?
Mandatory Information Programs are available online throughout Ontario. We provide MIP sessions through Zoom.
WHEN ARE MIPs HELD?
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays every week and one Saturday per month.
HOW LONG ARE MIP SESSIONS?
MIPs are 2 hours in length and delivered by local lawyers and Mental Health Professionals.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
To register for your MIP session, click REGISTER. You will be asked preliminary questions and then directed to our online calendar.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M THE APPLICANT OR THE RESPONDENT?
WHERE DO I FIND MY COURT FILE NUMBER ON MY MIP NOTICE?
WHERE DO I FIND MY COURT LOCATION ON MY MIP NOTICE?
WHY ARE MIPs MANDATORY?
This program provides information about separation, parenting and the Ontario court system. It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities when dealing with the family court system.
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS WHEN MIPs ARE NOT MANDATORY?
Yes, there are a few exceptions where MIPS are not mandatory including:
- Parties in cases that are proceeding on consent (where both parties agree to the order that is being requested)
- 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 in the last 12 months
- When 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).
WILL I ATTEND THE MIP WITH THE OTHER PARTY?
No. Applicants and Respondents attend MIP sessions separately. Their sessions are scheduled on different days and times.
REGISTER FOR MIP ONLINE
We currently present the Mandatory Information Program in an online format. Upon clicking REGISTER, you will be asked preliminary questions and then directed to an event page to select your desired event date and time.
Once you have successfully registered for your desired event, you will be sent an Event Link to attend via Zoom.
