$ 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 11 - 15 of 47 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Compassionate and Expert Legal Support You Can Trust
I highly recommend Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates. When I was going through my dissolution, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Melissa and her team immediately put me at ease. They took the time to understand my situation, explained the process clearly, and guided me through every st...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this beautiful review and for the trust you placed in our team during such an uncertain time. Feeling overwhelmed at the start of a dissolution is completely natural, and helping our clients move from that place of anxiety to one of confidence and peace of mind is exactly what we are here for. Knowing that you felt heard, guided, and supported every step of the way is the highest compliment we could receive — that is straight talk with compassion at its very best. We are so glad you were able to move forward with clarity and confidence, and we wish you nothing but the very best in this next chapter. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need us again!
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Awesome
Hired for a divorce and will preparation. Very knowledgeable. She is also very thorough. All documents were concise and clear to understand. Performance was within a reasonable timeframe.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you for the kind words and for trusting us with two such important matters! Whether navigating a divorce or planning for your future with a will, we believe every client deserves thorough, knowledgeable representation with clear communication and no unnecessary delays — and we are so glad that came through for you. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is in order. We are always here whenever you need us!
Posted by Mike | October 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Bezt ever
Divorced my Australian wife. Was done quickly and professionally. My highest recommendation
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for the high praise — and your highest recommendation means the world to us! International divorces can come with a unique set of complexities, and we are so glad we were able to handle everything quickly and professionally for you. We wish you all the very best in this next chapter, and we will be here if you ever need us again!
Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
I was referred to Ms Graham Hurd by a friend of mine that is also a lawyer. Ms Graham Hurd was very professional and knowledgeable about the process of marriage dissolution. She made the process easy by doing most of the work online or via phone. Luckily, I ended up not going through with my marri...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for the kind words and for the referral from your attorney friend — that means a great deal to us! We are always honored when fellow legal professionals trust us with the people they care about. And what wonderful news that you did not end up needing to move forward with your dissolution! Whatever the outcome, we are always here to guide our clients through the process with as little stress as possible. Knowing that our accessibility and professionalism made things easier for you along the way is exactly what we strive for. Thank you for the generous recommendation, and we wish you all the very best. Should you or anyone you know ever need us, we will be here!
Posted by Beth | June 06, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Skillful help with dissolution
I knew I was headed into a divorce but was hopeful to find an attorney to help with a dissolution process instead. Melissa and her team explained the differences, guided me through the process, and made a very difficult time in my life seem not so overwhelming.
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting us to guide you through such an important decision. Helping clients understand all of their options — including the differences between a divorce and a dissolution — is something we are passionate about, because the right path forward can make all the difference in how the process feels from start to finish. Knowing that we were able to take some of the weight off your shoulders during such a difficult time is exactly why we do what we do. That is straight talk with compassion in its truest form. We wish you all the very best in this next chapter, and please don't hesitate to reach out if 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
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