Initiating Separation in Ontario Family Court
The Mandatory Information Program (MIP) & the Family Law Information Program (FLIP)
When you begin a proceeding in family court, you may be required to attend a Mandatory Information Program (MIP) session. The MIP is mandatory for parties who have any contested issues relating to separation and divorce, such as issues relating to custody, access, support, the matrimonial home, or net family property.
If your only claim is for divorce or costs, or if the matters are all proceeding on consent (which means that you and your spouse agree on everything), then a MIP session is not required. Otherwise, both parties in the family court proceeding must attend a MIP session.
What Is the MIP?
The MIP is intended as a first step for new Applicants and Respondents in family court. It is a two-hour session that provides attendees with information about the family court system and process, local community resources and programs, common issues facing family law litigants, alternatives to litigation, and the effects of separation and divorce on the parties and their children. In general, the MIP helps encourage parties to settle where possible.
The session usually takes place in the same court in which the Application was filed. Both spouses must attend their MIP sessions before the matter can come before a judge, but the parties do not attend the MIP session together—it is not a mediation session. You and your partner will be given separate MIP dates.
Scheduling Your MIP Session
When the Applicant files the Application in court, the clerk will give the Applicant two notices: one indicating their MIP date and one for the Respondent indicating the Respondent’s MIP date. The Applicant must provide that MIP Notice to the Respondent. If you are the Respondent in your divorce proceeding and you are concerned for your safety because your partner knows your MIP date and location, you can reschedule your MIP session. You can also alert security at the courthouse.
Both parties must complete their MIP session within 45 days of the case being commenced.
To schedule or reschedule a MIP, call the Family Law Office of the applicable court. Note that it is possible to reschedule your MIP so that it takes place at a different courthouse, if there is a more convenient court location for you to attend. Phone numbers for the Family Law branches for courts in Ontario can be found by clicking here.
After you attend your MIP, the person who conducts the session will complete your certificate of attendance (found on the back of your notice). You must file it with the court as soon as possible, and at least 2 days before your first case conference.
The Family Law Information Program (FLIP)
As of January 1, 2021, the online version of Mandatory Information Program (Family Law Information Program) is no longer available on LAO’s website. Clients should contact their local family mediation and information services centre for more information about participating in a Mandatory Information Program.
Using the FLIP
The FLIP can be accessed from the Legal Aid Ontario homepage, where you will find a link at the bottom of the page titled “Family Law Information Program.”
The FLIP system has two options for completion. Those interested in accessing the material for their information can use the “Quick Read” option; those using the program as a substitute for the MIP session should select the “Certificate of Completion” option.
It will take approximately two hours to complete all the material, but users do not have to complete it all at once.
If you need guidance, advice, or representation at any stage of your separation or divorce, Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. is here to help. Call our Ontario family lawyers at (905) 581-7222 to learn more.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers
Over a Century of Collective Experience
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Andrew Feldstein Founder
Andrew Feldstein graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Andrew’s legal practice covered many different areas, including corporate commercial. One of Andrew’s fundamental objectives is to achieve those goals mutually and collaboratively, as set out by him and his client.
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Daphna Schwartz Lawyer
Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously practising family law in the Barrie area. Her practice includes all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property issues. Daphna is also qualified to practise Collaborative Family Law.
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Anna Troitschanski Lawyer
Anna Troitschanski joined the team at Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2012. Prior to that, she practised Family Law at a boutique Newmarket firm. Her experience covers all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and division of property.
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Nick Slinko Lawyer
Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003 until 2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. Nick graduated in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. He proceeded to earn a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. Nick was Called to the Bar in June of 2012 after completing his Articling term with the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. He became an associate with the firm immediately thereafter.
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Veronica Yeung Lawyer
Veronica Yeung joined the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. as a summer student in 2014 and returned as an articling student in 2015. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2016, Veronica was welcomed to the team as an associate lawyer.
Veronica attended York University for her undergraduate studies and graduated as a member of the Dean’s Honour Roll when she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Honours Criminology.
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Shana Gordon-Katz Lawyer
Shana joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. as an articling student in 2017. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2018, Shana was welcomed back to the firm as an associate. While completing her articles, Shana assisted with legal matters covering all areas of family law.
Shana attended the University of Western Ontario for her undergraduate studies, where she graduated as the gold medalist of her program, Honors Specialization in Classical Studies.
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Rachel Zweig Lawyer
Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2021, Rachel was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate.
Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa, Rachel obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Ryerson University with a major in English Literature.
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Lauren Harvey Associate Lawyer
Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2022, Lauren was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate.
Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Western Ontario, Lauren obtained her Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University majoring in Criminology and minoring in Law and Society.
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Quinn Held Associate Lawyer
Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, where she was exposed to various complex Family Law matters. Following her Call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2022, she became an Associate with the Feldstein Family Law Group.
Prior to obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor, Quinn obtained her Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Guelph majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and minoring in International Development.
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Kyla Johnson Associate Lawyer
Kyla is an approachable, understanding, and motivated advocate. This enables her to build strong relationships with clients. Her practice includes all areas of family law including parenting time, decision-making responsibility, child support, spousal support, division of property and divorce.