Dr. Osei Bonsu Dickson, FCIMArb, ArbP
Case Study 1: Surrogacy Agreement Dispute Resolution
Background: A couple from Canada entered into a surrogacy agreement with a surrogate mother located in Ghana. Midway through the pregnancy, disagreements arose concerning medical decisions and financial aspects of the arrangement.
LexMu’s Approach:
- Legal Analysis: LexMu conducted a thorough analysis of the surrogacy agreement and relevant laws in both Canada and Ghana to determine the rights and obligations of all parties involved.
- Mediation Services: LexMu facilitated mediation sessions to create a platform for open communication between the intended parents and the surrogate mother. The goal was to address concerns, clarify expectations, and find a mutually agreeable solution.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with the laws of both countries, LexMu guided the parties in amending the surrogacy agreement to reflect their revised understanding. The amended agreement was legally sound and addressed the issues raised during mediation.
Outcome: Through LexMu’s mediation and legal expertise, the parties reached a revised surrogacy agreement that satisfied all involved parties and maintained the overall integrity of the surrogacy process.
Case Study 2: Cross-Border Adoption Legal Assistance
Background: An adoptive couple from Italy sought to adopt a child from Liberia. The adoption process faced complications due to discrepancies in legal documentation, cultural differences, and delays in obtaining necessary approvals.
LexMu’s Approach:
- Legal Consultation: LexMu provided legal consultation to the adoptive couple, explaining the adoption laws of both Italy and Liberia. This included guidance on the necessary documentation and procedures involved in cross-border adoptions.
- Mediation Between Agencies: LexMu facilitated mediation between adoption agencies in both countries, addressing cultural misunderstandings and streamlining communication to expedite the approval process.
- Legal Representation: LexMu represented the adoptive couple in legal proceedings in both countries, ensuring compliance with all adoption laws and advocating for the best interests of the child.
Outcome: With LexMu’s legal guidance and mediation efforts, the cross-border adoption process was successfully navigated, and the adoptive couple gained legal custody of the child, overcoming the initial challenges.
Case Study 3: Post-Adoption Parental Dispute Resolution
Background: After completing an international adoption, a couple faced post-adoption challenges, including disagreements over parenting decisions and visitation rights with the birth parents.
LexMu’s Approach:
- Mediation Services: LexMu facilitated mediation sessions to address the specific concerns of both the adoptive parents and birth parents. This included discussions on parenting roles, visitation schedules, and communication protocols.
- Legal Review and Agreement Drafting: LexMu conducted a legal review of the existing adoption agreement and drafted a supplementary agreement that clearly outlined the roles and responsibilities of each party, addressing the post-adoption challenges.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: LexMu advised on legal enforcement mechanisms in case of non-compliance with the supplementary agreement, providing a framework for dispute resolution should issues arise in the future.
Outcome: Through LexMu’s mediation and legal intervention, the adoptive and birth parents reached a supplementary agreement that resolved their disputes amicably, providing a stable and supportive environment for the adopted child