Doniell Cummings Law

08/22/2026

Sometimes being a family law attorney means doing more than handling the legal case.

Yes, my first job is to advocate for my clients in court. But so much of this work happens outside the courtroom—helping people find their voice, rebuild trust, and sometimes repair relationships that felt completely broken.

This week, I’m celebrating one of those moments.

A few weeks ago, a teenager was saying, “I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to spend time with you.”

My client was hurt, scared to push too hard, and unsure how to show their child that they were still willing to fight for their relationship.

So we worked on it. Not just the legal strategy, but the human part too. We talked through how to communicate. We worked on text messages. We encouraged consistency, patience, and showing up.

And this week, that same child texted my client:

“Just confirming you’re coming to get me.”

That may sound like a small sentence.

It isn’t.

Sometimes the biggest wins in family law never happen in a courtroom. Sometimes the win is a child knowing, without question, that their parent is going to show up.

And those are the moments that remind me why I do this work. ❤️@

08/20/2026

I do love a good cat case 😹

08/20/2026

⚖️ Child Custody & Child Support: They’re Related — But They’re Not the Same Thing.

One of the most common misunderstandings I hear in family law is:

“If they aren’t paying child support, why should they still get visitation?”

Or the opposite:

“If I have the children half the time, I shouldn’t have to pay child support.”

California law doesn’t necessarily work that way.

👨‍👩‍👧 Custody and parenting time focus on the child’s best interests and the time each parent spends caring for the child.

💰 Child support looks at several factors, including each parent’s income and the amount of parenting time — but a 50/50 schedule does not automatically mean zero support.

And generally, withholding parenting time because support hasn’t been paid — or withholding support because parenting time isn’t happening — can create even more legal problems.

Family law is rarely as simple as “50/50.”

If your family circumstances have changed, your custody or support orders may need to change with them.

📞 Questions about custody or child support? Our office can help you understand what your current orders actually mean and what options may be available to you.

We offer a free 15 phone consult, get in touch today.

https://calendly.com/doniellcummingslaw/consult

07/28/2026

I am happy to announce that I was going to trial on a Custody case that I really hoped the parents could work together and come to an agreement instead. It’s always more healthy for the entire family when parties can agree rather than going to Court.

It did not look like this case was going to settle. The other Attorney and I have a good relationship and we worked on it all weekend with both parties on Sunday night. We had an agreement. By Monday morning, the other party had changed their mind.

I submitted my trial brief Monday night; which I was quite proud of. It was one of the ones that I had worked on really hard and felt like my earned experience was really showing.

By Tuesday morning, the other party had decided to settle and actually signed the agreement. The reason my trial brief, they did not want to take a chance of going up against me in court. That’s what I bring.

The same passion, drive, and hard work for every one of my cases. I will always have your back.

07/09/2026

I love using my child support knowledge to ensure right sized orders and proper enforcement.
Friendly reminder it’s 10% compounded interest in California when you fail to pay.
If your order is not right sized reach out for a free consult to find out if there is an opportunity to modify.

06/24/2026

If you’re struggling to find the courage to leave a difficult situation, please know that you are not alone.

Domestic violence is not always physical. It can include verbal abuse, emotional manipulation, financial control, intimidation, threats, isolation, stalking, or being made to feel afraid to leave a relationship.

No one deserves to live in fear. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered to make decisions about their future.

At DC Law, we help individuals understand their legal rights and options when facing domestic violence and coercive control. Whether you are ready to take action or simply need information about your options, we are here to help.

We offer a free phone consultation where you can speak directly with our team, ask questions, and learn what legal protections may be available to you.

https://calendly.com/doniellcummingslaw/consult

If you’re ready to learn about your options, call our office today to schedule your free consultation.

You do not have to navigate this alone.

This is an opportunity for the two of us to get to know each other and for you to tell me what you are seeking. This call will not be providing legal advice. I will assess what you may need and advise you of your options and whether I may be of assistance.

05/09/2026

I applaud and respect anyone putting in the work to be an attorney. But it is work. It’s not easy but it is attainable for anyone willing and able to pursue it. Congratulations to all those graduating this month and preparing to take the bar.

The Bar Exam is officially the only thing in Kim Kardashian's life that hasn't been successfully photoshopped to make her look like she actually put in the work.

After multiple failed attempts, Kim K has announced she's "pausing" her pursuit of the California Bar — having skipped both the February and July 2026 sittings. And honestly? Good. Let's talk about what this moment actually means.

This woman spent 6 years on a path that most law students complete in 3. She bypassed college entirely. She bypassed law school entirely. She chose California's Law Office Study apprenticeship program — not because it was harder, but because it felt more on-brand for someone who has always moved through life like the rules are for other people. She passed the baby bar on her fourth attempt and still couldn't close the deal on the real thing.

There's a word for this: entitlement. The quiet, unexamined kind that whispers, "Why should I have to do it the way everyone else does? I'm a billionaire."

But here's what's genuinely beautiful about this story — the California Bar Exam doesn't care. It doesn't care about your follower count. It doesn't care about your net worth. It doesn't care that you once sat next to a president. Once you're in that chair, it comes down to one thing: did you do the work?

In a country where almost everything has a VIP entrance — healthcare, housing, justice, education — the bar exam is one of the last ancient relics of actual meritocracy standing. Sure, access to law school and test prep is deeply unequal. But once you're sitting for it? Money buys access. It does not buy legitimacy.

The legal profession has always understood something that billionaire culture refuses to: influence is not competence. Discipline, endurance, and mastery aren't things you can outsource or repackage.

A locked door that money can't just kick open? In 2026? That's rare. And it's worth protecting.

04/11/2026

Seeking a PT experienced Family Law Paralegal

I’m ready to expand my team and am looking to bring on a part-time paralegal (20–25 hours/week). Hours would be M-Thurs. between 9-4 (flexible).

This position is primarily remote (about 90% work from home), but applicants must be local to the Sacramento region for occasional, infrequent in-person meetings.

What I’m looking for:

• 4–5+ years of Family Law experience (this is important)

• Someone confident and proactive—not afraid to speak up and take initiative (yes, “bossy” can be a strength here)

• Experience with Clio is preferred

• A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently (I am not a micromanager)

I am especially looking for someone who can help build and refine systems, processes, and workflow. My background is in social services, and I went straight into solo practice, so I value someone who can bring structure and help elevate the operational side of the firm.

Our firm has been established for four years, takes a holistic approach to client service, and maintains a small but meaningful pro bono component.

If you know someone who may be a good fit, please have them reach out to:

[email protected]