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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

Sep 26, 2023
Why Some Families Avoid Trust Funds
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Last Modified on Sep 26, 2023

Preparing future generations for success by creating good money habits is often a forgotten task. There are serious implications to giving large financial responsibility to unprepared beneficiaries. For future heirs, a lack of financial education can lead to poor outcomes for their money knowledge and…

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Feb 24, 2025
Top 2 Reasons Mediation Works for Those Facing a Gray Divorce
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Last Modified on Feb 24, 2025

Gray divorces are taking up a lot of space in family court. The pandemic months have seen a decrease in the percentage of divorces year over year. But when you break down the yearly number, there was an increase in filings for older aged couples…

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Sep 26, 2023
The Importance of the Surrogacy Agreement
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Last Modified on Sep 26, 2023

Surrogacy is an amazing feat of modern medicine, and it has given many couples the ability to expand their families in a way that was before its creation an impossibility. While surrogacy has many positives, it can still be a source of stress and frustration.…

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Aug 29, 2025
Adoption Q&A: Birth Mother’s Rights in California
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Last Modified on Aug 29, 2025

Adoption is a complex process with many intricacies. Adoptive parents work with experienced adoption attorneys and professionals to ease the process and know their rights. However, the adopted child’s birth mother also has a right to know specific information and change their minds. Creative Family…

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Jul 01, 2025
Step-Parent Adoption in California
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Last Modified on Jul 01, 2025

Marrying into a family is a beautiful process. Not only do you gain a new life partner, but you also could potentially gain new relationships with step-children. While it is not a requirement to adopt your step-children, some individuals feel led to solidify the parental…

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Mar 02, 2026
Can I Appeal My Custody Decision?
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Last Modified on Mar 02, 2026

The decision in a family court case can be very emotional, especially when it doesn’t go the way you’d hope. While a family court decision can be appealed, it’s a very difficult process with hard deadlines and hurdles to overcome. It’s strongly advised that parents…

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Sep 26, 2023
Can I Still Have a Baby Via Surrogacy During the Pandemic?
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Last Modified on Sep 26, 2023

The surrogacy process has changed to adjust to these changing times during a pandemic. Many of these changes have been difficult for new families and surrogates, but the importance of the process and the creation of new life make the challenges worth it. Advances in…

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Nov 18, 2025
How to Identify Signs of Stress in Children After Divorce
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Last Modified on Nov 18, 2025

Helping Your Child Adjust After Divorce Divorce carries a heavy emotional toll for adults and children alike. If you feel stressed or unlike yourself after your divorce, your child may share similar emotions. Here’s how you can identify signs of stress and help your child…

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Sep 26, 2023
A Quick Look at the Most Common Types of Trusts
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Last Modified on Sep 26, 2023

Financial planning is an important reason why many people create an estate plan. There are so many options available for those working to put together the pieces of their estate plan. When you start planning, your attorney may start mentioning the benefits of creating a…

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Aug 08, 2023
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting Your Prenup
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Last Modified on Aug 08, 2023

Prenups are viewed negatively, and for some couples, it can completely derail their engagements and put their forthcoming wedding day in jeopardy. With couples waiting longer to get married, parties are coming into their marriages with more financial interests than previous generations. Many people refrain…

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