Melissa D. Cianci
LATEST ARTICLES BY: Melissa D. Cianci
Surrogate Mother on the Hook for Child Support
Many people by now have probably heard about Sherri Shepherd's divorce and the drama she is having because of the surrogate that was carrying a child she and her ex were supposed to raise together. A new development in that case might have some of…
Understanding the Family Law Court in California
In California, all family court matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court from the moment the appropriate papers are filed. Cases involve different types of proceedings, including long cause hearings for settlement conferences and trials, short law and motion hearings that typically do…
An Uncontested Divorce Might Be Easier for You
Getting a divorce doesn't always have to be difficult. In fact, it is sometimes possible to work with an ex to get an uncontested divorce in California. In some cases, the mere unwillingness of a spouse to reply to notices can be enough to have…
Keep Your Business Protected in Case of Divorce in California
High-asset divorces come with some very complex considerations. When one of the assets you own is a business, you have to ensure that your business is protected in case you divorce. There are some very specific ways that you can protect your business. Many of…
High-Asset Divorce Cases Require Untangling of a Web of Assets
Seeing your marriage come to an end is a difficult sight, but for some people, that brings other issues into question. People who have considerable assets and those who have businesses often have a big headache in store. We can help you to untangle the…
Divorce Questions Might Not Appear on Census Bureau Surveys
One thing that many people use to define certain trends in family structures is the information collected by the United States Census Bureau regarding marriage and divorce. Some people might think that this information is rather important, but new information coming from the U.S. Census…
Can a Military Member Adopt a Stepchild in California?
For members of the military, forging meaningful relationships can be difficult. For that reason, a person who builds a loving relationship with a stepchild might ultimately decide that he or she would like to try to adopt the child. There are several things that a…
Family Law: ACTIVE Marriage Might Curb Divorce in Military
An ACTIVE marriage refers to intentional effort focused on appreciation, communication, teamwork, individuality, vitality, and empathy to help strengthen military partnerships. Because frequent relocations and time apart place significant strain on relationships, embracing these six core principles can help couples improve their bond and prevent…
Tax Points for California Registered Domestic Partnerships
Domestic partnerships were our topic last week. We are going to continue on that topic this week to help our readers in California to get a better understanding about domestic partnerships. One topic that some people in a domestic partnership are curious about is how…
Why Should I Register My Domestic Partnership in California?
People in California who are in committed relationships but don't want to get married might have the option of entering into a domestic partnership. These partnerships aren't available to all couples, but for couples who qualify, they might be a viable way to confirm the…
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