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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 24, 2023
California Supreme Court Ruling Clarifies When Separation Occurs
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Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

Often when a couple determines that their marriage is over, one moves out of the family home. In some cases, particularly when there are children involved, the two remain under one roof for a time. If the two are able to get along, this can…

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Nov 09, 2023
What’s the Difference Between a Closed and an Open Adoption?
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Last Modified on Nov 09, 2023

There are many reasons that a family might choose to adopt a child, but it's important to understand that adoption can be a complicated legal matter. Understanding the two basic types of adoptions and the possible issues associated with each can help you be prepared for what's…

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Aug 08, 2023
Signing a Prenup Is a Must for Many Couples in California
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Last Modified on Aug 08, 2023

Like no other time in your life, when planning a wedding it is easy to get wrapped up in the little details that will make the day memorable. It is easy to forget that you should not just be planning for one day - you…

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Nov 13, 2023
Requesting a Child Support Modification in California
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Last Modified on Nov 13, 2023

If you are a divorced parent, whether custodial or non-custodial, a multitude of circumstances can change in the lives of you, your former spouse and/or your children. Any of these circumstances can warrant a change in the child support agreement you made during your divorce. The same…

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Nov 08, 2023
What Is a ‘Long Duration’?
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

They say that timing is everything. In the case of divorce between Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, this seems to hold true. The two announced their break-up the day after their 10th wedding anniversary. They have agreed, so far, to co-parenting their three young children.…

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Nov 08, 2023
Protect Your Interests During Your High-Asset Divorce
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

In our previous blog post, we discussed some of the economic effects of divorce. For people who don't have a lot of assets, the impact of the divorce is often negligible. In those cases, the loss of a second income might have a bigger effect…

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Nov 24, 2023
The Economics of a Divorce
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Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

Divorce in California is often very emotional. Even if you want the split, you may still be sad to see your marriage dissolving, to see the end of what was once such a happy union. You may feel emotional about certain assets, like the first…

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Nov 02, 2023
Domestic Partnerships Get Shot in the Arm in the U.S.
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Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

Domestic partnerships got a shot in the arm last week when the United States Supreme Court gave the right for same-sex marriages to be recognized in all 50 states. That isn't where it all started, of course. It was back in 2004 when the then-mayor…

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Nov 24, 2023
What Does Supervised Visitation Mean for Me?
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Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

Dealing with a custody order that includes supervised visitation can be difficult for both parents and the children, but there are some things you can do to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Having an attorney who is familiar with your situation can also…

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Nov 08, 2023
Don’t Forget Your Estate Planning Documents When Divorcing
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Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

As you go through a divorce, it's essential to be planning for your financial future. Many people benefit from consulting with a financial advisor. While it's understandable that you probably don't want to take on any more expenses during this time, solid advice that saves…

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