$ 200-300 per hour
PRO
Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd
also known as Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates
Virtual Consultation Available
About Melissa
Biography
Our practice centers on representing people in domestic relations matters, for issues such as termination of marriage by divorce or dissolution, child support, spousal support, allocation of parental rights and responsibilities (custody) and parenting time (visitation), including matters for people who have never married but have children and property together. We serve grandparents and other relatives seeking legal custody or visitation. We also provide planning services for people who need antenuptial (premarital) or cohabitation agreements, powers of attorney for health care, partnership agreements, wills and other estate-planning documents.
I did practice law as a solo attorney for 30 years, and started a lawfirm in 2014, all in Akron, Ohio. We serve clients in "real people" life situations, seeking to make bad situations a little better for them. Family law practice can be draining and demanding work (which sometimes makes me rethink that whole life plan thing, but sometimes a client will write something very uplifting and affirming as this one recently did: <<Thank you for all your help, but primarily for your willingness to listen, that meant so much to me.>> That will keep me going for a while now. Smile), but also can be rewarding in knowing that we helped someone through a bad situation, even by a little.
Our clients have also contributed very rewarding reviews on , and we are grateful to have been given an opportunity to serve them.
We moved our office to the City of Green mid-May 2018, and serve people in Summit and Stark County, Ohio courts.
Guiding clients with straight talk and compassion through troubled times.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
30%
43 years
Family
30%
43 years
Child Custody
15%
43 years
Child Support
15%
43 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Ohio for 42 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC
(330) 643-0732
Fax
4030 Massillon Road, Suite B, Green, OH, 44685
grahamhurdlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Melissa online.
Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
104 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (104)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (40)
Case Results (36)
Recommendation (34)
Practice Area Knowledge (33)
Responsiveness (24)
Professionalism (22)
General Knowledge (15)
Staff & Support (15)
Communication Style (14)
Compassion (12)
Character & Conduct (10)
Cost of Services (8)
Trustworthiness (7)
Punctuality (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 104 reviews
Posted by Josh | March 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
Melissa and her team were excellent! This was my first experience with needing legal representation and they did a wonderful job explaining things in a way that I could understand them during my initial consult. Once we were into the divorce process, she was able to handle all of my daily questions a...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this incredible review and for placing your trust in us for your very first legal experience — we never take that responsibility lightly and are so glad we were able to make the process clear, manageable, and fair for you from start to finish. Every father deserves strong, knowledgeable advocacy in the courtroom, and making sure your rights and your relationship with your children were fully protected was our priority every step of the way. Being upfront, honest, and always one step ahead is not just how we approach a case — it is who we are. That is straight talk with compassion at its very best. We also love that you mentioned "you get what you pay for" — because that is exactly how we view the work we do. Quality legal representation is an investment in your future and your family, and we are committed to delivering results that reflect that every single time. Thank you for the very high recommendation and for sharing your experience so thoughtfully. We wish you and your family all the very best ahead and are always here whenever you need us!
Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Excellent service
I had a fantastic experience with Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd , she prepared and filed my QDRO papers and did so with excellent care , Melissa went above and beyond for me . Highly recommended…
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting us with your QDRO! A Qualified Domestic Relations Order requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail — the stakes are high and the paperwork must be exactly right — and we are so glad that care came through clearly for you. Going above and beyond for our clients is never the exception here — it is simply the standard we hold ourselves to on every matter, large or small. Thank you for the fantastic recommendation and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you all the very best ahead and are always here whenever you need us!
Posted by John | October 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney
50/50 Custody case
I worked mostly with Erin; she was able to help me (the father) get 50/50 custody of my two girls. They work very hard for father rights and are easy to get ahold of when questions arise.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this wonderful review — and congratulations on your 50/50 custody arrangement! Having equal time with your two girls is exactly the kind of outcome our team fights hard to achieve, and knowing that fathers' rights were fully represented and protected throughout your case means the world to us. Every parent deserves a fair shot at being present in their children's lives, and we take that responsibility seriously on every case we handle. Knowing you always felt supported and could easily reach us with questions is exactly the experience we strive to deliver. Thank you for your trust and for sharing your experience. We wish you and your girls all the very best — enjoy every moment together! We are always here if you ever need us again.
Posted by Amber | July 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney
The best!
Do not put a price tag on an attorney if you are looking for someone who actually cares Melissa Graham Hurd is here. I interviewed numerous attorneys and knew she was the one thank you for everything you did!!!
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for the trust you placed in us after such a thorough search! Being chosen after interviewing numerous attorneys is truly an honor, and we never take that confidence for granted. You touched on something we feel very strongly about — the right legal representation is an investment in your future, and the value of having someone who genuinely cares about your outcome goes far beyond any price tag. That commitment to truly showing up for our clients is something that drives our entire team every single day. Thank you for everything — right back at you! We are so glad you found us and we wish you all the very best ahead. We will always be here whenever you need us!
Posted by Melinda | June 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Hardworking fantastic people
Melissa is a great lawyer, prompt, to the point, and professional. She gave great advice in some trying times over the last few months and helped mine and my children's voices heard. If we ever need a lawyer again I will be calling her first!
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for trusting us during what sounds like a truly challenging few months! Making sure both you and your children felt heard and that your voices carried real weight throughout the process is something we are deeply committed to — and knowing that came through for your family means everything to us. Prompt, to the point, and professional — that is straight talk with compassion in action, and we are so proud that is exactly what you experienced. Thank you for the kind words and for knowing exactly who to call first if you ever need us again. We will absolutely be here for you and your children. Wishing your family all the very best ahead!
Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Melissa is an excellent attorney that is well-respected in the legal community."
"Melissa is a great lawyer that works hard for her clients!"
"Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd works in an area of law that most attorneys despise because it is so demanding. I have seen how she patiently explains the law in a clear and practical manner to help persons involved in a emotional situation regain their balance. I am honored to endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa and I have served on several committes at the Ohio State Bar Association for many years. She is bright, articulate and cutting-edge knowledgeable in domestic relations matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. I do not personally handle family law cases and have referred clients to Melissa based upon the reputation she has developed in the legal community. Melissa has a reputation for being knowledgeable, hardworking, sensitive, and reasonable. But she is tough when she needs to be. She fights hard for the best interests of her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Melissa Graham-Hurd for many years and have had numerous cases with her as my courtroom adversary. Melissa is competent, honest and professional. I would recommend her to anyone without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Denise Houston
Family lawyer
Todd Kotler
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Family Law Inclusion, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2021
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Inclusion in Family Law, Ohio Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super lawyers Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Inclusion in Listings Family Law, Ohio Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyers, Ohio Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC
1984 - Present
Attorney, Melissa Graham-Hurd, Esq.
Associations
2013 - Present
Akron Bar FoundationMember
2009 - Present
Ohio Women's Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Stark County Bar AssociationMember
2003 - Present
Ohio State Bar FoundationMember
1984 - Present
Akron Bar AssociationMember
1984 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2013
Ohio State Bar AssociationBoard of Governors
2002 - 2004
Ohio State Bar AssociationChair - Family Law Committee
1993 - 1994
Akron Bar Association, Family Law SectionChair
Education
1983
University of Akron School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
University of Akron
Bachelor of Arts
1980
University of Akron
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Family Law
Shared Parenting Plans
2013
Annual Rosen Seminar
National Trends in Spousal support
2013
Family Law
Spousal Support modification
2012
Seminar for Family Relations Specialists
Real Estate Separate and Marital Property
2012
Women in Law
Gender Fairness
2009
Bernard Rosen Seminar
Caselaw Update
2006
Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers
Ohio Spousal Support Law
2005
Family Law Section
Ohio Family Law Legislation
Publications
2019
Sowald Morganstern Domestic Relations Law, Baldwin’s Ohio Practice Series, West Group
Chapter 29 - Government Retirement Benefits
2010
Domestic Relations Journal of Ohio
Social Networking Websites
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my ex deny visitation if I’m not paying child support? How can I make sure I get visitation?
03 Nov 2021
Q&A
How much would it cost to get a emancipation lawyer
26 Sep 2021
Q&A
Child support for disabled child, when does it end?
28 Sep 2021
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Truthfulness in Affidavits is a MUST!
20 Oct 2011
Legal Guide
Widespread Fallacies about Divorce
02 Mar 2011
Legal Guide
Vocabulary List for Divorce and Domestic Relations Cases in Ohio
14 Feb 2011