$ 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
106 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (106)
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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 101 - 105 of 106 reviews
Posted by BRIAN | June 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Melissa Graham-Hurd
When I first went to meet with Melissa, I had no idea what to expect, but all I had were some preconceived notions about how it would go with a divorce, along with a head that was jam packed full of advice from experienced and inexperienced peers who knew in their own minds what I should do, wha...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for sharing your experience so vividly and honestly — we think many people going through a divorce will read your words and immediately recognize themselves in them. Walking in with a head full of conflicting advice and a heart full of uncertainty is incredibly common, and helping our clients find calm, clarity, and a clear path forward from that place is one of the most important things we do. Professionalism, patience, ethical and fair treatment of all parties, and simply being willing to listen when things get overwhelming — that is straight talk with compassion in every sense of the word. We never want any client to feel rushed, dismissed, or judged for the emotions they bring through our door. Rebecca and both Melissas will be so touched to see this — they are each incredibly dedicated to the people they serve and deeply deserving of your kind recognition. Thank you for your trust through what was clearly a whirlwind of a journey, and for the beautifully thoughtful words you took the time to share. We wish you all the peace, clarity, and happiness you deserve in this next chapter. We are always here whenever you need us!
Posted by anonymous | June 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Divorce Filing (2016-17)
I came to Melissa shortly after my X husband said he was finished with our marriage last February of 2016. From day 1 Melissa was encouraging and helpful as she walked me through the difficult process of filing for a divorce. 16 months later and with the divorce finalized we are still working on som...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this heartfelt review and for trusting us to walk alongside you through such a sudden and life-altering transition. Being blindsided the way you were and having to find your footing so quickly takes enormous courage, and we are so honored to have been there from day one to help you find it. Caring and encouraging out of court, confident and prepared in court — that balance is something our team strives to bring to every client and every case. You deserved both, and we are so glad you felt both throughout your journey. Sixteen months is a long road, and knowing that we are still here to help you with the finishing touches is a reminder of why we never consider a relationship with a client truly closed. We are in this with you for as long as you need us. Thank you for your trust, your perseverance, and for the generous recommendation. We wish you all the very best in this next chapter — brighter days are ahead and you are more than capable of embracing them!
Posted by anonymous | October 22, 2013
Fantastic attorney - highly recommended
Melissa is a great attorney. She provided sound legal advice that helped me get through my divorce with a favorable outcome for all involved. Melissa's fees were very reasonable and she was responsive to all of my inquiries throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Melissa.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for the kind words and high recommendation! Providing sound, honest legal guidance that leads to a favorable outcome for everyone involved is exactly the goal we bring to every case — because when all parties can walk away with fairness and dignity intact, that is truly the best possible result. Responsiveness and making sure every question is addressed throughout the process are standards we hold ourselves to without exception, and we are so glad that came through clearly for you. Thank you for your trust 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 Scottie Graef | August 13, 2012
Incredibly helpful, caring, and patient; The best!
There aren't enough words to express my gratitude towards Melissa. She is brilliant, patient, caring, persistent, and so much more. Melissa truly cares for her clients and understands the situations people encounter. Melissa truly does what's best for children and fights hard for fairness. Meliss...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for these incredibly generous and heartfelt words — we are truly touched! Reviews like this one remind us every single day why we chose this work and why we pour everything we have into it. Brilliant, patient, caring, persistent — those are words our entire team strives to live up to for every client we serve, and knowing they resonated so deeply through your experience means the absolute world to us. When children are at the center of a case, the stakes could not be higher, and fighting hard for fairness and for what is truly best for them is a commitment we never waver on. Thank you for your trust, your gratitude, and for such an enthusiastic recommendation. It is clients like you that make every challenge worth it. We wish you and your children all the love, stability, and happiness you deserve — and we will always be here whenever you need us!
Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Painless Dissolution Process
Great experience, Melissa Graham-Hurd made the best of an awful experience in getting divorced and made sure I was a priority and was heard. When something didn’t add up, she was on top of it and made sure things moved in the right direction for me. Melissa Finch is amazing, very responsive and took ...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this wonderful review — we are so glad we could make such a difficult experience a little easier to navigate! Making sure every client feels heard, valued, and like a true priority is at the heart of everything we do, and it means the world to know that came through for you. Divorce is never easy, but having someone in your corner who pays close attention to the details and isn't afraid to speak up when something doesn't add up can make all the difference — and that is exactly the standard we hold ourselves to every single day. Melissa Finch will also be so thrilled to see this! She is our right arm!! Her responsiveness and dedication to keeping things moving efficiently are qualities our entire team admires, and you deserved every bit of that care and attention. Thank you for trusting us and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you all the best in this exciting next chapter!
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
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Family Law Inclusion, Super Lawyers
2023
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Inclusion in Family Law, Ohio Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, 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
Inclusion in Listings Family Law, Ohio Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyers, Ohio Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Melissa Graham-Hurd, Ohio 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
Family Law
Spousal Support modification
2013
Annual Rosen Seminar
National Trends in Spousal support
2012
Women in Law
Gender Fairness
2012
Seminar for Family Relations Specialists
Real Estate Separate and Marital Property
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
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03 Nov 2021
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26 Sep 2021
Q&A
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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