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Melissa D. Cianci

Melissa D. Cianci is the managing partner of Cianci Law, PC, where she specializes in family law, adoption, and surrogacy. A Certified Family Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization, Melissa is admitted to practice in seven states, including California, Nevada, and New York. She holds a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and an M.B.A. from Oklahoma State University. In addition to her legal practice, she serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Adoption Choices, Inc. and is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.

LATEST ARTICLES BY: Melissa D. Cianci

Aug 25, 2023
Best Apps to Use for Co-Parenting
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Last Modified on Aug 25, 2023

Best Scheduling Apps to Help With Co-Parenting Parenting is a busy job, especially when you have to co-parent from different households. But, did you know there are apps you can use that can help take away some of the stress related to co-parenting with your…

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Mar 02, 2026
Can I Be Left Financially Ruined After My Divorce?
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Last Modified on Mar 02, 2026

The global pandemic has been financially devastating to couples, causing many to put off their divorce in favor of waiting for the world to recover. The rise of mandatory shelter in place orders combined with layoffs, job closures, and reduced work hours have left many…

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Aug 25, 2023
Why Everyone at the Surrogacy Table Needs Legal Representation
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Last Modified on Aug 25, 2023

With celebrity parents using surrogacy at an increasing frequency, the general public has become more familiar with the term than in the past. Surrogacy was stigmatized and misunderstood by so many people, and like time often does, opinions have changed. The frequency and number of…

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Nov 18, 2025
3 Benefits of Legal Separation
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Last Modified on Nov 18, 2025

Pros of Legal Separation in California Often, couples are not ready to go through the divorce process and choose to look into alternatives before completely ending their marriage. For those who aren’t ready to end things for good, a legal separation may be a better…

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Mar 02, 2026
Why Your Parenting Plan is Your Most Important Divorce Document
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Last Modified on Mar 02, 2026

Once you’ve started the divorce process, everything in your life begins to be colored by the “D-word.” If you have children, they can get lost in the battle for things and ego during a divorce. So, even though your divorce may take many months to…

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Nov 18, 2025
Do’s and Don’ts of Getting a Divorce
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Last Modified on Nov 18, 2025

Divorce is a complex process, and the last thing you want to do is make it even more complicated than it already is. When you go through the divorce process, you should be mindful of what can either help or harm your case. We made…

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Aug 25, 2023
Can You Alter Your Child Custody Arrangement During COVID-19
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Last Modified on Aug 25, 2023

Many things in the world are at a standstill during this unprecedented global pandemic due to the spread of COVID-19. With strict health regulations to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, many families are struggling to adhere to their visitation and custody agreements. Social…

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Aug 25, 2023
Benefits of a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive
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Last Modified on Aug 25, 2023

Life has been more unpredictable than usual over the last year. If the global pandemic has taught us anything, it’s reminded us that we have to prepare where we can and hope for the best everywhere else. In the event of accidents, injury, and illness,…

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Jul 18, 2025
Is Divorce Mediation the Right Option?
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Last Modified on Jul 18, 2025

When you get married, your initial thought is not that it will end in a divorce. However, every couple is unique and experiences vastly different circumstances that can lead to troubling times and challenges in their relationship. Nearly half of all marriages fail because of…

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Nov 09, 2023
What to Do if Your Spouse Won’t Sign Divorce Papers
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Last Modified on Nov 09, 2023

Ending a Marriage with or Without Your Spouse’s Cooperation Divorce is a difficult decision to come to. Oftentimes, spouses could have different opinions regarding whether the relationship can be salvaged or not. If your spouse is refusing to sign divorce papers in an attempt to halt…

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