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Welcome to Legal Peacemakers.

At Legal Peacemakers, we’re committed to guiding families through life’s most challenging transitions with clarity, compassion, and collaboration. Based in Palm Beach County, our practice focuses on delivering family law and estate planning services tailored to meet your unique needs.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of divorce, building a legacy for your loved ones, or crafting a parenting plan that puts your children first, we provide personalized, transparent, and flat-fee solutions that bring peace of mind to your legal journey.

Offering peace of mind with your family and estate planning We believe in empowering families with straightforward, cost-effective legal services that prioritize cooperation and long-term well-being. By focusing on collaborative legal solutions, we minimize conflict, preserve relationships, and help you move forward confidently.

What we do differently Clear, fixed pricing Every service is tailored to meet your family’s unique needs. We aim to help you get clarity on your case, in a way that works for you - from case updates to easy document review and more. Client-Centered Focus Know exactly what you’re paying for, with no surprises. Lawyers focused on you - not the clock. We bill by service, not by hour and we never charge large upfront retainers, or for meetings, texts, emails. Collaborative Solutions We prioritize cooperation and efficiency over conflict and delay. You'll get a lawyer supported by a team and a suite of tools that help them focus on you and the outcome you deserve.

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Peaceful Beginnings A one-hour consultation to assess the client's situation, explain the legal process, and discuss potential solutions. $250 - $500 Harmony Divorce Package
 For couples who have agreed on all major issues, including property division, custody, and support. $2,500 - $4,000 Collaborative Divorce For couples committed to resolving their divorce through the collaborative process without court intervention. $5,000 - $10,000 Future Peace Plan Pre/Post Nuptials Agreements to define financial terms and responsibilities before or during marriage. $3,000 - $5,000 Child-Centered Solutions Custody and Parenting Plans for parents needing a clear, fair parenting plan focused on the child’s best interests.
 $3,500 - $7,000 Fresh Start Adjustments Modifications for clients seeking to modify custody, support, or visitation orders due to changed circumstances. $2,500 - $6,000 Set-Fees for
Family Law Services

How we can help Family law services Divorce arrow_forward Child custody & visitation arrow_forward Alimony arrow_forward Modifications arrow_forward

About us our legal team


Meet Magdalena Bauza Esq.
LegalPeacemakers was founded by Magdalena Bauza Esq. A licensed attorney in New York and Florida with a background in civll rights law that led to her reputation in the local community and court system of ethics and competence. Magdalena Bauza's guiding principle is to develop trusting relationships with her clients as they rely on her to guide them through the legal process.

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News & Resources News & Videos Find the latest updates and educational videos on family law developments and collaborative law practices in Florida. More Videos Family Law Forms Access Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms to assist with various legal procedures. See All Forms Legal Organizations Find family law legal organizations that offer support, resources, and advocacy for families in Florida. Learn More

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What is Collaborative Law?
 Collaborative law offers an alternative to traditional adversarial legal approaches. Instead of engaging in courtroom confrontations, this method involves a series of joint sessions where both parties, alongside their respective attorneys, work towards a consensus that serves everyone's best interests. The strength of collaborative law lies in its capacity to maintain relationships, empower clients, ensure confidentiality, alleviate stress, and present a more economical option than going to court.

This legal strategy aims to reduce conflict and promote cooperative resolutions in family law disputes. Unlike the combative nature of conventional litigation, where individuals may feel compelled to oppose each other, collaborative law unites the parties and their lawyers in joint meetings to seek a mutually agreeable solution. This emphasizes negotiation and constructive problem-solving over legal battles.

By stepping away from the traditional adversarial legal system, collaborative law offers a pathway where families, with the guidance of their attorneys, collaborate to find resolutions that benefit everyone involved. This method champions negotiation and cooperative problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the well-being of all parties. At its core, collaborative law is about preserving relationships, empowering clients, upholding privacy, minimizing stress, and offering a financially smarter alternative to fighting in court.
This legal strategy aims to reduce conflict and promote collaborative resolutions in family law disputes. Contrary to the often combative nature of conventional litigation, where individuals may feel compelled to oppose each other, collaborative law unites the parties and their lawyers in joint meetings to seek a mutually agreeable solution. This emphasizes negotiation and constructive problem-solving over legal battles.

By stepping away from the traditional adversarial legal system, collaborative law offers a pathway where families, with the guidance of their attorneys, collaborate to find resolutions that benefit everyone involved. This method champions negotiation and cooperative problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the well-being of all parties. At its core, collaborative law is about preserving relationships, empowering clients, upholding privacy, minimizing stress, and offering a financially smarter alternative to fighting in court.

 Morefast_forward close Benefits of Collaborative Law
 Preserves Relationships: Ideal for families who wish to maintain a cordial relationship post-dispute, collaborative law encourages respect and understanding.

Client Empowerment: This process gives you more control over the outcome, as opposed to leaving decisions in the hands of a judge.

Confidentiality: Collaborative law discussions are private and confidential, allowing for open and honest communication.

Reduced Stress: By avoiding the adversarial court process, collaborative law typically results in less stress and anxiety for all parties involved.

Cost-Effective: Often more cost-effective than traditional litigation, as it typically resolves faster and involves less procedural complexity.

Pros

Reduced Conflict: Emphasizes cooperation, reducing emotional stress.

Privacy: More private than court proceedings.

Control: Parties have more control over outcomes.

Cost-Effective: Often less expensive than litigation.

Children's Interests: Focuses on the best interests of children, avoiding the adversarial impact of court battles.
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Contested Divorce In Florida, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as child custody, financial matters, or the division of assets. Disputes may arise from a breakdown of trust, allegations of misconduct, or even domestic violence. The process begins with filing for divorce and serving your spouse, followed by exchanging important information and possibly filing temporary orders. If negotiations fail, the case proceeds to court. The discovery process can reveal discrepancies in financial disclosure, which can be a significant point of contention. Child custody disputes are particularly sensitive and are determined based on the child's best interests, with Florida law encouraging shared parenting unless it is detrimental to the child. The timeline for a contested divorce can vary, with a minimum 20-day waiting period, and the cost can be substantial, including filing fees, attorney fees, and additional costs. However, it is possible for a contested divorce to transition into an uncontested one if the parties reach an agreement.
 NEXT close Uncontested Divorce An uncontested divorce in Florida is a more amicable and cost-effective option for couples who agree on all terms of their separation, including property division, child custody, and support arrangements. This process is generally quicker, with a possibility of finalizing the divorce about 30 days after filing. It is recommended to have a detailed parenting plan in place if children are involved. While uncontested divorces can be less contentious, it is still advisable to have legal representation to ensure all documents are properly drafted and rights are protected. Challenges might include drafting a comprehensive agreement that addresses future contingencies, like changes in financial circumstances or relocation needs. A couple might choose this path to expedite proceedings and minimize costs, requiring legal help to draft a comprehensive settlement agreement that complies with Florida law, ensuring all terms are clear and enforceable.
 NEXT close LGBTQ Family Law Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Florida in 2015, LGBTQ couples have had the right to divorce under the same laws as heterosexual couples. These divorces can involve unique challenges due to evolving laws and may include issues such as spousal support, child custody, and visitation arrangements. For LGBTQ couples, the residency requirement, filing in the correct county, and having valid legal grounds for divorce are essential. Florida courts do not consider fault-based reasons for divorce, focusing instead on no-fault grounds such as mental incapacity or irretrievable marriage failure. Child custody and support are determined with the child's best interests in mind, and parents typically share equal rights and responsibilities. LGBTQ couples may also choose between mediation, collaborative law, and litigation to resolve their divorce. LGBTQ family law in Florida encompasses a range of legal services tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals and families. This includes collaborative family law for same-sex spouses and partners, child custody rights and parenting plans, and same-sex divorce. Adoption options such as second parent and stepparent adoptions are available, as well as legal name changes for transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ individuals.
NEXT close Adoptions Adoption in Florida provides a legal means for individuals and couples to become the legal parents of a child. This process can include various forms of adoption such as second parent adoption, which is particularly relevant for LGBTQ+ families, and stepparent adoption, which allows a stepparent to become a legal parent. The Department of Children and Families in Florida now approves joint adoptions by same-sex couples, reflecting the evolving recognition of diverse family structures.
 NEXT close Name Change Name changes are a significant legal service for individuals seeking to align their legal identity with their lived experience, legally changing their name, which may occur due to marriage, divorce, including transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ individuals ensuring that all legal documents are appropriately amended. A potential challenge is the legal requirement to publish the name change, which might be contested or cause personal issues, especially in sensitive situations like gender transition.
 NEXT close DNA DNA testing in Florida is often used in legal proceedings to establish biological relationships, which can be crucial in cases of paternity or adoption. DNA testing can play a crucial role in establishing biological relationships in cases of paternity or when confirming eligibility for adoption. DNA testing can be crucial in family law to establish biological relationships in cases of paternity, child support, or adoption. We guide clients through the legal implications of DNA results and ensure that their rights and responsibilities are clearly defined. Challenges can arise when individuals contest the results or when there is a lack of cooperation in submitting samples. Legal intervention may be required to enforce testing or to address disputes over the interpretation of results. NEXT close Child Custody Child custody in Florida is determined by the best interests of the child, with courts encouraging shared parenting plans that outline specific timesharing schedules and parental responsibilities. Involves legal determinations about where a child will live and how decisions about the child will be made. Challenges include high-conflict situations where parents cannot agree, necessitating mediation or court intervention to arrive at a solution that prioritizes the child's best interests. A parent may need to contest custody when the other parent seeks sole custody, necessitating evidence that joint custody is in the child's best interests. Florida's family law prioritizes the child’s best interests and encourages shared parenting unless detrimental to the child, as specified under Florida Statutes Chapter 61.13. NEXT close Child Support Child support is a critical issue in Florida family law. Child support is calculated using a strict formula defined by Florida law, considering each parent's contribution to the child's upbringing and direct expenses such as health insurance and daycare. Focuses on establishing a financial arrangement where one parent pays support to the other for the care and expenses of the child, based on guidelines that consider the income of both parents and the needs of the child. Common challenges include enforcing payment from non-compliant parents and adjusting orders in response to changes in financial circumstances or needs of the child. NEXT close Parental Relocation Parental relocation is a complex issue in Florida family law when a parent wishes to move with their child to a different location, which can affect the established timesharing and parenting plan. Such a move requires legal consideration of the child's best interests and the impact on the other parent's access to the child.
Deals with the legal requirements and procedures involved when a custodial parent wishes to move with the child to a different geographical location, which may affect the existing custody and visitation arrangements.Challenges include obtaining consent from the other parent or court approval, which requires proving that the move serves the child's best interests. If a custodial parent wishes to move for a new job, they must obtain permission from the other parent or the court, which involves proving that the relocation is in the child's best interest, according to Florida Statutes Chapter 61.13001. NEXT close Grandparent Visitation Grandparent visitation rights in Florida allow grandparents to maintain a relationship with their grandchildren under certain conditions. The law recognizes the importance of these relationships and provides a legal avenue for grandparents to seek visitation in specific circumstances. Focuses on securing visitation rights for grandparents, which can be challenging if the parents object. Solutions involve demonstrating to the court how such visitation serves the child's best interests, particularly in cases where the grandparent has had a significant relationship with the child. Grandparents may seek visitation rights when their child (the parent of the grandchild) is deceased, and the surviving parent denies access.
 NEXT close Paternity Establishing paternity is a legal process in Florida that is essential for defining a father's rights and responsibilities towards their child. This includes the right to custody and the obligation to provide child support.
Disputes over paternity may require court-ordered DNA testing and involve challenges in proving or contesting fatherhood as per Florida Statutes. A man identified as the father might dispute paternity when he believes he is not the biological father. Florida’s paternity laws facilitate this process but require legal filings and a court process to adjudicate paternity, which can include DNA testing and hearings. NEXT close Modification Modifications to existing family law orders, such as child support or custody arrangements, can be pursued in Florida when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. The modification must be in the best interests of the child and legally justified. After a substantial change in circumstances, such as a drastic change in income, parents or former spouses might need to modify existing court orders. Florida law allows for modification petitions, but proving the change is significant and ongoing can be legally challenging and typically requires detailed documentation and legal arguments. Barriers include proving the extent and permanence of these changes to justify an adjustment in support, custody, or visitation terms.
 NEXT close Parenting Plan A parenting plan in Florida is a detailed document that outlines how divorced or separated parents will share the responsibilities and time with their child. It includes provisions for education, healthcare, and living arrangements, ensuring the child's needs are met. Challenges arise in high-conflict situations where parents have difficulty agreeing on terms, often requiring mediation or legal guidance to develop a plan that minimizes conflict and focuses on the child's needs.
 NEXT close PreNup Prenuptial (prenup) and postnuptial (postnup) agreements are legal tools that couples can use to define the terms of their marriage and the division of assets in the event of a divorce. These agreements can provide clarity and protection for both parties, especially in complex financial situations. Contracts entered before marriage that outline the distribution of assets, debts, and establish financial terms in case of a divorce, to protect individual assets and clarify financial obligations.Before marriage, a couple with substantial individual assets might seek a prenuptial agreement to protect their financial interests. In Florida, such agreements must meet strict requirements for full disclosure and fairness to be enforceable under Florida law, often necessitating careful legal drafting and review. Challenges include ensuring the agreement is legally sound and enforceable, addressing potential unfairness or coercion issues. NEXT close PostNup postnuptial agreements are drafted after marriage to address changes in financial situations or to clarify marital expectations. Challenges can include one party feeling pressured into signing, which requires careful negotiation and legal scrutiny to ensure enforceability. Couples might opt for this if their financial circumstances change significantly, such as receiving a large inheritance. Legal help ensures the agreement complies with Florida laws and is fair and enforceable. NEXT close Guardianship Guardianship in Florida allows individuals to make legal decisions on behalf of those who cannot do so for themselves, often minors or incapacitated adults. Establishing guardianship might be necessary when an elderly parent becomes incapacitated without having a durable power of attorney in place. Florida guardianship laws require proving the incapacity in court, a process that involves medical testimony and legal documentation. Challenges include legal hurdles in proving necessity and suitability of the guardian, especially in contested cases. NEXT close Parenting Plan Time-sharing and parental responsibility are central to Florida's approach to child custody, requiring parents to create a detailed parenting plan that outlines their involvement in their child's life. These plans must prioritize the child's well-being and provide a stable environment for their growth and development. Time-sharing in Florida refers to the schedule that dictates when a child will spend time with each parent following a divorce or separation. It is a component of the parenting plan and is designed to maintain the child's relationship with both parents. Common challenges include creating schedules that accommodate varying parental locations, work schedules, and the child's needs, often requiring creative solutions and compromises. Parents might disagree on a time-sharing schedule, necessitating a court order. For instance, one parent may work nights, complicating traditional schedules. Legal intervention can help create a schedule that fits both the parents’ and the child’s needs, as required by Florida’s family law statutes.

 NEXT close Parental Responsibility Parental responsibility in Florida involves the rights and duties of parents to make decisions regarding their child's welfare, including education, healthcare, and other important aspects of their life. It is often shared between parents following a divorce or separation When parents cannot agree on decision-making authority for their child’s education or medical decisions, they might need a court to divide or allocate these responsibilities. Florida law supports shared parental responsibility but allows for sole responsibility when it benefits the child's welfare. Challenges include resolving disputes where parents have different views on upbringing, education, or health care, requiring legal clarification on decision-making boundaries. NEXT close

At LegalPeacemakers our collaborative divorce process emphasizes three core principles: Mutual Respect, Shared Solutions, and a Commitment to Avoid Court, ensuring a dignified and constructive approach to resolving family disputes.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is the cornerstone of collaborative divorce. This principle requires both parties to commit to honesty, transparency, and maintaining dignity throughout the process. It goes beyond mere politeness, embedding a deep-seated respect for each other's perspectives and emotional states. This environment fosters open communication, ensuring that both parties feel heard and understood. By prioritizing respect, the process minimizes hostility and facilitates a more constructive dialogue, enabling negotiations to proceed from a place of understanding rather than contention. This respectful dialogue is crucial, as it sets the tone for constructive interactions and decision-making, ensuring that the emotional and psychological impacts of divorce are mitigated as much as possible.

Shared Solutions

Collaborative Divorce recognizes that the well-being of the family unit, albeit in a different form post-divorce, is paramount. The parties work together, often with the help of interdisciplinary professionals such as financial advisors, child specialists, and mental health professionals, to create agreements that consider the future well-being of the entire family. The goal is to reach outcomes that are equitable and sustainable, addressing the unique needs of each family. At the heart of collaborative divorce is the aim to find shared solutions that reflect the best interests of the entire family, especially when children are involved. This approach shifts the focus from individual victories to collective well-being, emphasizing outcomes that are equitable and beneficial for all parties. It requires a shift in perspective, where the parties, guided by their advisors, work creatively and cooperatively to address not only financial and legal issues but also emotional and practical concerns.

Avoiding Court

A key component of the collaborative divorce process is the commitment to avoid court intervention. This commitment includes an understanding that if the collaborative process fails, the collaborative lawyers representing each spouse must withdraw from the case, and the parties must start anew with different attorneys in the traditional litigation process. This agreement incentivizes everyone involved to remain committed to the collaborative process, focusing efforts on negotiation and settlement rather than preparing for a courtroom battle. It reduces the financial and emotional costs associated with divorce proceedings and often leads to faster resolutions. The collaborative divorce process is underpinned by a shared commitment to avoid court intervention. This commitment is not merely procedural; it represents a fundamental belief in the value of self-determination and the ability of parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation. The agreement to keep the process out of court and to withdraw legal representation if the collaborative process breaks down serves as a powerful incentive for all involved to stay engaged and work towards amicable solutions. This tenet encourages a more thoughtful, considered approach to dispute resolution, recognizing that court battles often exacerbate the emotional and financial toll of divorce. By committing to avoid court, parties embrace a path that offers a more dignified, respectful, and potentially healing conclusion to their relationship, laying a healthier foundation for future interactions, especially in co-parenting situations. close

PreNup Prenuptial (prenup) and postnuptial (postnup) agreements are legal tools that couples can use to define the terms of their marriage and the division of assets in the event of a divorce. These agreements can provide clarity and protection for both parties, especially in complex financial situations. Contracts entered before marriage that outline the distribution of assets, debts, and establish financial terms in case of a divorce, to protect individual assets and clarify financial obligations.Before marriage, a couple with substantial individual assets might seek a prenuptial agreement to protect their financial interests. In Florida, such agreements must meet strict requirements for full disclosure and fairness to be enforceable under Florida law, often necessitating careful legal drafting and review. Challenges include ensuring the agreement is legally sound and enforceable, addressing potential unfairness or coercion issues. BACK close

PostNup postnuptial agreements are drafted after marriage to address changes in financial situations or to clarify marital expectations. Challenges can include one party feeling pressured into signing, which requires careful negotiation and legal scrutiny to ensure enforceability. Couples might opt for this if their financial circumstances change significantly, such as receiving a large inheritance. Legal help ensures the agreement complies with Florida laws and is fair and enforceable. BACK close

Child Custody Child custody in Florida is determined by the best interests of the child, with courts encouraging shared parenting plans that outline specific timesharing schedules and parental responsibilities. Involves legal determinations about where a child will live and how decisions about the child will be made. Challenges include high-conflict situations where parents cannot agree, necessitating mediation or court intervention to arrive at a solution that prioritizes the child's best interests. A parent may need to contest custody when the other parent seeks sole custody, necessitating evidence that joint custody is in the child's best interests. Florida's family law prioritizes the child’s best interests and encourages shared parenting unless detrimental to the child, as specified under Florida Statutes Chapter 61.13. BACK close

Child Support Child support is a critical issue in Florida family law. Child support is calculated using a strict formula defined by Florida law, considering each parent's contribution to the child's upbringing and direct expenses such as health insurance and daycare. Focuses on establishing a financial arrangement where one parent pays support to the other for the care and expenses of the child, based on guidelines that consider the income of both parents and the needs of the child. Common challenges include enforcing payment from non-compliant parents and adjusting orders in response to changes in financial circumstances or needs of the child. BACK close

Paternity Establishing paternity is a legal process in Florida that is essential for defining a father's rights and responsibilities towards their child. This includes the right to custody and the obligation to provide child support.
Disputes over paternity may require court-ordered DNA testing and involve challenges in proving or contesting fatherhood as per Florida Statutes. A man identified as the father might dispute paternity when he believes he is not the biological father. Florida’s paternity laws facilitate this process but require legal filings and a court process to adjudicate paternity, which can include DNA testing and hearings. BACK close

LGBTQ Family Law Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Florida in 2015, LGBTQ couples have had the right to divorce under the same laws as heterosexual couples. These divorces can involve unique challenges due to evolving laws and may include issues such as spousal support, child custody, and visitation arrangements. For LGBTQ couples, the residency requirement, filing in the correct county, and having valid legal grounds for divorce are essential. Florida courts do not consider fault-based reasons for divorce, focusing instead on no-fault grounds such as mental incapacity or irretrievable marriage failure. Child custody and support are determined with the child's best interests in mind, and parents typically share equal rights and responsibilities. LGBTQ couples may also choose between mediation, collaborative law, and litigation to resolve their divorce. LGBTQ family law in Florida encompasses a range of legal services tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals and families. This includes collaborative family law for same-sex spouses and partners, child custody rights and parenting plans, and same-sex divorce. Adoption options such as second parent and stepparent adoptions are available, as well as legal name changes for transgender, non-binary, and other LGBTQ+ individuals.
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