A Path to Justice: How Mediation Helped a Young Mother Establish Paternity

Let me share with you a success story that unfolded within the realm of the legal system. Meet IRANKUNDA  Clenisse, a courageous 19-year-old girl who found herself in a complex situation. She had given birth to a beautiful baby girl, and while she firmly believed her boyfriend to be the father, he adamantly refused to acknowledge their child.

Seeking justice and resolution, Clenisse turned to our legal team for support. Understanding the importance of establishing paternity, we suggested a DNA test to ascertain the biological father. However, instead of immediately resorting to litigation, we endeavored to explore a more amicable path to resolve the conflict.

With the best interests of the child in mind, we encouraged the parties involved to come together, accompanied by their respective parents. Our team facilitated a series of meetings to foster open communication and understanding between all parties. Through these discussions, the parents of Clenisse and her boyfriend recognized the significance of finding a peaceful resolution rather than engaging in a protracted court battle.

Inspired by the spirit of cooperation and guided by a genuine desire to ensure the well-being of the child, both parties decided to abandon their pursuit of legal action. Instead, they opted to draft a comprehensive agreement, known as a convention, which outlined the rights and responsibilities of each party. This convention was later taken to a notary to be formalized and validated.

Once the convention was completed, we assisted in submitting it to the court for official stamping or enforcement formula, thereby lending it the weight of legal recognition. The court recognized the convention as a binding agreement, safeguarding the rights of the child and providing clarity regarding the paternity dispute

The child was duly registered in civil registration by the father, affirming his legal responsibility. As a result, the father voluntarily agreed to provide financial support to the mother on a monthly basis as alimony.

This success story serves as a testament to the power of mediation and the ability of individuals to put aside their differences for the greater good. Clenisse’s determination, combined with the collaborative efforts of our legal team, the parents, and the boyfriend, resulted in a harmonious resolution that protected the rights of the child and fostered a sense of unity among the parties involved.

This case exemplifies the transformative potential of the legal system when used as a tool for conflict resolution and the promotion of fairness and justice. It serves as an inspiration for future legal projects aimed at encouraging amicable resolutions and ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved.