$ 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
105 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (105)
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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 6 - 10 of 40 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Opioid loss tears up families. Good representation can help heal this.
My husband and I approached Melissa with a challenging case. Our daughter died suddenly in 2017 from an opioid overdose, leaving behind two daughters and an estranged husband. In the face of his opposition to us having any contact with our granddaughters, we were seeking to establish regular visits...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for entrusting us with your story and for finding the strength to share it so eloquently. We are deeply honored by your words and even more honored to have stood alongside your family during one of the most painful and complex journeys a family can face. The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure, and to navigate that grief while simultaneously fighting for the relationship you so lovingly built with your granddaughters required extraordinary courage and resilience. It was our privilege to advocate for your family every step of the way — through the legal complexities, the emotional weight, and even the setbacks that came when the order was violated. Knowing that those precious girls are now a regular and cherished part of your lives and your extended family is the outcome that matters most, and it is a reminder of exactly why this work is so important. Families deserve to stay connected, and we will always fight to make that possible. Thank you for trusting us with something so irreplaceable. We wish your entire family — especially those two lovely girls — a future filled with love, joy, and the healing that comes from being together.
Posted by Ron | August 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding Lawyer. Outstanding Staff.
Was recommended to MGH by another heavy-hitting lawyer that retired. I asked for an aggressive men's rights lawyer, and that's what I got. Melissa and her staff were very attentive and timely with everything. Email, phone, text, filing... all throughout my case, they were on top of it. They were i...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Wow — thank you for this incredible review! Being referred by a respected fellow attorney is truly one of the highest compliments our firm can receive, and we are so glad we were able to live up to that recommendation. We believe every client deserves fierce, knowledgeable advocacy regardless of who they are — and that means being prepared to stand firm, correct the record when needed, and never back down from doing what is right for our clients. Straight talk with compassion means no sugar-coating, realistic expectations, and a team that shows up fully prepared every single time — in the office, in the courtroom, and everywhere in between. Melissa and Rebecca will both be so proud to see this recognition of their knowledge and tenacity. That is exactly the standard they hold themselves to on every case they handle. Thank you for trusting MGH & Associates and for such an enthusiastic endorsement. We hope you are moving forward with the outcome you deserved, and we will absolutely be here if you ever need us again!
Posted by Adam | June 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Any questions I had they were answered! Not only was they lawyer working for me but also the staff with paperwork and knowledge of my situation was a blessing to have them on my side!!!
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this enthusiastic review — it truly made our day! We believe that outstanding legal representation is never just one person — it is the entire team working together seamlessly on your behalf. From the attorneys fighting for your best outcome to the staff keeping everything organized and moving forward, everyone plays a vital role in making sure our clients feel supported and never left wondering what comes next. Knowing that you felt that full team effort working in your corner means everything to us. Thank you for your trust and your kind words, and please don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need us again!
Posted by Monica | May 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney
You need this lawyer by your side
Melissa Graham-Hurd is honest, straight forward and on your side the whole time. She gives you the tools to succeed in your divorce. I could not have done this without her emotional guidance and patience with me a this very difficult time. She’s far and fierce. She’s who you want by your side.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026"Fair and fierce" — we absolutely love that and could not have said it better ourselves! Thank you so much for this heartfelt review and for capturing so perfectly what we strive to be for every single client we serve. Divorce is one of the most emotionally demanding experiences a person can go through, and having someone in your corner who is not only fighting hard for your best outcome but also taking the time to guide you, support you, and be patient with you through every difficult moment — that is straight talk with compassion at its core. Knowing that you felt equipped, supported, and never alone throughout the process means the world to us. Thank you for your trust, your kind words, and for such a glowing recommendation. We wish you all the strength and happiness you deserve in this next chapter!
Posted by Dick | February 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Divorce & QUDRO
Melissa was awesome and followed up when the ex-wasn't responding timely or going outside of the agreed to terms. She was awesome at helping me with concerns or directing me on the best course of action.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting us to see things through even when the process hit some unexpected bumps along the way! Dealing with delays and situations where the other party isn't holding up their end of the agreement can be incredibly frustrating, and having someone firmly in your corner to follow up, push back, and keep things on track makes all the difference. Knowing that you always felt guided and never left to figure things out on your own is exactly what we strive for — especially in cases involving complex matters like a QDRO where the details truly matter. Thank you for your trust and for taking the time to share your experience. We wish you all the very best moving forward and are always here if you need us!
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