$ 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 6 - 10 of 22 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Eric | September 05, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Dissolution while overseas due to military service
Melissa Ann Graham-Hurd and her team were exceptional while dealing with my dissolution. I was a special case as I serve overseas in the military. They made everything easy, and they were always there to help. Very highly recommended.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this wonderful review — and first and foremost, thank you for your service! Handling a dissolution while serving overseas comes with a unique set of challenges, and we are so glad our team was able to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible regardless of the distance. Every client deserves exceptional care and attention, and that commitment does not change based on circumstances — no matter how complex or unique a situation may be. Knowing that you always felt supported and never felt alone in the process, even from across the world, means everything to us. Thank you for trusting us with something so important while you were focused on something even greater. We wish you safety, strength, and all the very best in the days ahead. We are always here whenever you need us!
Posted by Dave | May 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Fantastic!!!
I found Melissa on the internet while searching for a divorce lawyer. She had the highest ratings and a very extensive background of all the lawyers I had reviewed. Melissa and her team were great to work with, it was not uncommon to hear from her the very same day. Very professional and friendly. ...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this fantastic review — and for doing your homework before choosing us! We are so glad that our ratings and background stood out during your search and that your experience with our team lived up to and exceeded those expectations. Same-day communication is something we genuinely strive for because we know how much uncertainty can weigh on a client during the legal process. Knowing that responsiveness was something you noticed and valued means a great deal to our entire team. Thank you for trusting us with your divorce and for the enthusiastic recommendation. Reviews like yours are exactly how other people in a similar situation find the help they need — so thank you for paying it forward. We wish you all the very best ahead and are always here if you ever need us again!
Posted by Shane | May 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Adoption
Melissa Gram-Hurd and her team were amazing. My wife and I hired them to adopt my son. They worked with us on building our case and filed all the required documents needed. They were very kind and assuring to my wife and I through the slow court process.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Congratulations to you and your wife on the adoption of your son — what a truly special and joyful milestone for your family! We were so honored to be a part of this journey with you both. Adoption cases require careful preparation, thorough documentation, and a great deal of patience through what can often be a slow court process — and we know that waiting on something this important to your family is never easy. Knowing that our team was able to keep you both feeling reassured and supported every step of the way means everything to us. Thank you for trusting us with something so precious and life-changing. We wish you, your wife, and your son a lifetime of love and beautiful memories together. We are always here if you ever need us again!
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Adoption Case
We hired Attorney Melissa Graham-Hurd to handle our step-parent adoption case. It started out that we thought it would be pretty straight forward however the biological father objected to the filing and we had to go the route of a Non-consentual adoption. This case was pretty complicated as Bio fat...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Adoption Case We hired Attorney Melissa Graham-Hurd to handle our step-parent adoption case. It started out that we thought it would be pretty straight forward however the biological father objected to the filing and we had to go the route of a Non-consentual adoption. This case was pretty complicated as Bio father lived out of state and had made fillings in wrong jurisdictions, Melissa was able to fight all of these erroneous filings and get us in the courts we needed to be in. Once we finally got our turn in court on the issue of consent Melissa did a great job of cross examining the Bio father and got him to admit all of the items we needed to prove that his consent was not needed. Melissa also did an amazing job in writing all of the filings that were needed along the way. When you would read her filings as compared to the other attorney it was like she was in the Major leagues and the other attorney was only in AA ball. We ended up winning our case and ultimately the adoption was approved and it was all do to Melissa's hard work and knowledge of the law. If I ever have any issues again I would retain Melissa again in a heartbeat. Thank you Melissa for everything we appreciate it more that we can ever express in words.
Posted by Michael | February 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend MGH
Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates consistently provided sound legal counsel, friendly experience-based advice, and good wisdom. The retainer cost estimates were accurate and itemized bills were honest. They were reachable over the phone during an unanticipated emergency when I was threatened and fol...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this thoughtful and detailed review and for your trust in our firm over multiple years and cases. Clients like you, who allow us to be their consistent legal partner through life's most challenging moments, are the heart of what we do and why we do it. We are especially grateful that you highlighted our availability during those unexpected and frightening moments — being reachable when it truly matters most is something we take very seriously. No client should ever feel alone in a crisis, and knowing our team was there for you in those critical situations means everything to us. Honest billing, accurate estimates, and transparent communication are standards we hold ourselves to without exception — because our clients deserve to know exactly where they stand at every step of the process. That is straight talk with compassion from the first consultation all the way through to the final outcome. Thank you for your loyalty, your confidence in our team, and for such a genuine and comprehensive recommendation. We wish you and your family all the very best and are always here should you ever need us again!
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
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Q&A
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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