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In addition to the in-person Mandatory Information Program (known as MIP), AXIS Family Mediation Inc now also offers on-line MIPs. On-line MIPs offer the same content and structure as the in-person MIPs, but are done virtually, using internet assisted technology, instead of attending at court.
Ordinarily, in order to be permitted to complete your MIP in any other way other than in-person at the court, you would need permission from the Judge hearing your case. However, due to the limited courthouse operations due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, all litigants in the areas AXIS serves are permitted to take the on-line MIP instead of the in-person MIP without prior Judicial approval.
Even though the courts have modified operations, MIPs are still required in order for your matter to be heard by a Judge (even for virtual hearings) at the Case Conference Stage of proceedings. A MIP is in addition to any other steps in a case and failing to complete it may cause your case to be delayed. It will be up to the Judge on if/how to proceed with your case if you do not attend a MIP. The only exceptions to this are:
- For Joint divorces
- Cases that only ask for a divorce
- Cases that only request the incorporation of the terms of an agreement or prior court order
- Cases that only ask for costs or that ask only for a divorce and costs
- Motions to change a final order or agreement that only ask for child and/or spousal support
- If you have attended a MIP in the past and can offer proof of same
AXIS is pleased to offer this on-line MIP program to all who request it who fall under the court jurisdictions of Hamilton (Hamilton-Wentworth Region), Kitchener (Kitchener-Waterloo Region), Guelph (Wellington County), Simcoe (Norfolk County), Cayuga (Haldimand County), Brantford (Brant County), St. Catharines or Welland (Niagara Region).
How is an on-line MIP the same as an in-person MIP?
In terms of delivery, the on-line MIP is still free, interactive, and informative. The same script will be presented as in-person, providing general legal information about separation/divorce and family law including the legal process, the impact of separation and divorce on children and adults, alternatives to court for resolving your dispute, and some of the resources available in your area. It will still take approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
The On-line MIP will be co-presented (just like the in-person MIP) by an Information and Referral Coordinator, a family law lawyer and a mental health practitioner (such as a social worker, mediator or therapist). No legal advice or expert opinion will be provided but you will receive information about where to access same.
You will still receive a certificate of completion at the end which will be provided to the court.
How is an on-line MIP different from an in-person MIP?
On-line MIPs are not separated by Applicants and Respondents because participants cannot see or hear each other, and no identifying information is displayed. On-line MIPs are also not location specific. In other words, you can take any on-line MIP AXIS offers so long as your matter is being heard in one of our court locations. These two main differences allow you to have many more dates and times to choose from.
The most obvious difference is that the on-line MIP is delivered using virtual technology.
In order to take an on-line MIP, you must have access to a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet (or any device which has audio and video capabilities) AND reliable internet access. You may also need to download the Zoom software/application.
You will not need a webcam or microphone as you will not be seen or heard during the presentation. If you are new to using Zoom, you may want to visit our dedicated AXIS Zoom site here: https://axisfamilymediation.zoom.us/. At the bottom of the screen you will see “Getting Started,” which links you to Zoom’s wide range of on-line tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions. You may also want to consider making yourself available for two sessions in case you have technical difficulties since we do not provide real-time technical support or troubleshooting during the on-line MIP.
You will need to answer all the random poll questions during the presentation to demonstrate that you were present for the entire session in order to receive a certificate of completion. There will be opportunities to ask anonymous questions of the presenters by using your computer or smartphone keyboard.
Pre-registration is required by sending an email to MIP@axisfamilymediation.com. You will then receive a registration link as well as a link to the program slides and resource materials, also available here.
You are welcome to attend the On-line MIP with a friend or support person, but they will need to register separately if they would like their own completion certificate. There is only one log-in per registrant. Please do not share your registration link with anyone else, because if they use it to register themselves, this will register them in your place and overwrite your certificate of completion at the end.
We suggest that you attend the On-line MIP in a quiet, distraction free environment. We strongly recommend that you do not allow your children to be present while attending as some content may not be appropriate for children under 18 years of age.
Periodically during the on-line MIP, you will be asked questions which you are given a limited time to answer. If you do not, it will be assumed that you are no longer paying attention and you will not receive the certificate of completion.
If you stay until the end and complete the entire on-line MIP, a special on-line MIP Certificate of Completion will be sent to the court on your behalf and placed in your electronic court file so the Judge knows you have completed it. A copy will also be e-mailed to you for your personal records.
Please feel free to contact us at MIP@axisfamilymediation.com.should you have any questions or concerns or contact an Information and Referral Coordinator for the court you matter is being heard in. In Hamilton, Kitchener/Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, Simcoe, Cayuga, St. Catharines and Welland the Information & Referral Coordinators are responsible for all aspects of the MIP’s. Their contact information can be found in the Team section of this website.
