Author Avatar

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
What Are the Processes Involved in Obtaining Guardianship?
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

Throughout California, there is a significant number of children in need of a caring, loving, and stable home. Far too often, for whatever reason, these children are unable to receive such a home from their parents. Although some of these children are adopted by relatives,…

Read More
Nov 02, 2023
3 Mistakes to Avoid During Child Custody Litigation
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

Going through a child custody battle may be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You may feel like everything is on the line. In your heart, you feel like you deserve as much custody or visitation as possible. But how you conduct…

Read More
Nov 03, 2023
The Ways a Prenuptial Agreement Can Be Found Invalid
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 03, 2023

As we have discussed previously on this blog, deciding to get married is much more than an emotional decision, as it can also have significant financial ramifications. In essence, those who choose to get married are choosing to split all property and put themselves in…

Read More
Aug 21, 2025
How to Secure Grandparent Visitation in California
  |     |  
Last Modified on Aug 21, 2025

Family dynamics can change over time, and no two families are exactly alike. Therefore, when family law issues arise, whether, through a divorce or ending a non-marital relationship, the parties to the case need an individualized approach. When the court makes determinations on important family…

Read More
Oct 23, 2026
We Funnel Emotions into Strong Family Law Arguments
  |     |  
Last Modified on Oct 23, 2026

Addressing emotionally overwhelming family law issues with personal attacks or retributive tactics is a mistake that can stall negotiations or send the wrong message to a judge. Instead, individuals facing child custody and support matters need to shape their feelings and knowledge into crafty legal…

Read More
Nov 02, 2023
3 Reasons You Should Consider Creating a Postnuptial Agreement
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

A postnuptial agreement, also known as a postnup, is a marital contract that outlines the division of assets in the event of divorce. But if you did not sign a prenuptial (prenup) agreement before marriage, why would you consider signing something similar after marriage? There…

Read More
Aug 21, 2025
How to Respond to a Divorce Petition
  |     |  
Last Modified on Aug 21, 2025

Being served with a divorce petition can have any number of effects on an individual. For some, the act is expected and perhaps even welcomed. Others, though, may find themselves shocked that their spouse has filed for divorce. Regardless of how an individual feels, he…

Read More
Nov 08, 2023
Common Reasons for the End of a Marriage
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 08, 2023

Although divorce can arise out of any number of circumstances, there are a few common themes. One of the most common reasons for divorce, for example, is infidelity. Although many think of this as meaning a physical relationship, infidelity can involve emotional relationships, too. Individuals…

Read More
Nov 02, 2023
Guardianship Assistance May Be Available to Those Who Qualify
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 02, 2023

Previously on this blog, we discussed how guardianship differs from adoption. For many California families, a guardianship makes sense. It allows a child to obtain a safe and stable home while at the same time preserving parental rights. Although most, if not all, parental responsibilities…

Read More
Nov 24, 2023
What Is Paternity and Why Is It Important?
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 24, 2023

When it comes to family law issues, most individuals consider issues regarding their children to be the most important. Whether an individual is dealing with child custody and visitation, child support, or even property division, thinking of one's children can reshape how these critical issues…

Read More

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Request a Consultation

Fields marked with an * are required

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.