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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

Nov 08, 2023
Important Divorce Considerations
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

As we have said on this blog before, getting divorced is far more than an emotional choice, as it is also one that can reshape your financial future. Many of our readers may need to prepare for this reality, as studies have shown that the…

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Nov 02, 2023
Study Find Joint Physical Custody May Be Best for Kids
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Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

Parents have a lot to figure out, including scheduling around school and extracurricular activities, planning meals, and figuring out how to make ends meet. Yet, as stressful as this may seem, it can pale in comparison to the thought of losing custody of a child.…

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Aug 21, 2025
How to Minimize the Impact of Divorce on Children
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Last Modified on Aug 21, 2025

For many Californians, divorce is something that they may have been building up to for a long time. They may have already developed a plan to secure financial stability and dissolve the marriage at a time that is suitable for them. However, for many children,…

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Oct 31, 2023
What You Should Know About Prenuptial Agreements
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Last Modified on Oct 31, 2023

A valid, well-written prenuptial agreement can save a lot of trouble for California couples in the event of a divorce. While some people still feel reluctant to contemplate the possibility their marriage will not last, an increasing number of Americans sees prenups as a prudent…

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Nov 02, 2023
Things to Think About When Considering Guardianship
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Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

As we have discussed previously on this blog, there may be times when a California family finds it appropriate to either adopt a child or serve as guardian of a child. In many instances, this occurs when a child's biological parents are unfit or their…

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Nov 08, 2023
Property Division and the Concept of Separate Property
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

Marriage dissolution is a process that can affect an individual, and his or her family, in many different ways. While the emotional impact of ending a relationship can be devastating, it can also be tough on children who are suddenly left with limited time with…

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Nov 08, 2023
Alimony at the Center of High-Profile Divorce
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

It's no secret that divorce can be expensive. Sure, most individuals have to pay legal fees, but the majority of the costs come in the form of property division, child support, and spousal support. Depending on the outcome of these issues, an individual can be…

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Nov 24, 2023
Child Custody Dispute? Don’t Leave the Outcome to Chance
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Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

Although money is certainly a concern for many Californians who are going through a divorce, for many of them, child custody and visitation are also critical factors. Some couples are able to resolve this matter amongst themselves, but sometimes, whether due to negative animosity or…

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Apr 01, 2025
How Can a California Guardianship Be Terminated?
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Last Modified on Apr 01, 2025

For one reason or another, many California parents find themselves unable to parent their children, or a court deems them unable to do so. In these situations, there are essentially two options. The first is adoption, which permanently severs a parent's legal rights to his…

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Jul 18, 2025
How Spousal Support Works in California
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Last Modified on Jul 18, 2025

Alimony ranks among the top hot-button issues in many California divorces. Spouses with high incomes worry about burdensome payments, while lower-earning spouses worry about not getting enough. A valid prenuptial agreement can settle the issue of support payments well in advance. Unlike child support, couples…

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