$ 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 11 - 15 of 33 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
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 John | December 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Amazing
I needed to find a lawyer to gain custody of my 2 younger siblings and I found Melissa online. She asked me questions made sure I knew what I was getting myself into and the ins and outs of how gaining custody would go. It took roughly 6+ months to get full custody of my siblings. During the waiting ...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026What an incredible journey you have been on — and what an extraordinary thing you did for your younger siblings. Stepping up the way you did takes tremendous courage, love, and selflessness, and we were truly honored to walk alongside you every step of the way. Custody cases are never simple, and six months of uncertainty while fighting for the people you love can feel overwhelming. Knowing that you never felt alone during that waiting period — that every call was returned and every question was answered — is exactly the standard we hold ourselves to for each and every client we serve. Most importantly, your siblings are safe, protected, and in a loving home because of you. That is the outcome that matters most, and it is a powerful reminder of exactly why this work is so meaningful to our team. Thank you for finding us, for trusting us, and for sharing your story. We wish you and your siblings nothing but love, stability, and brighter days ahead!
Posted by Jeremy | September 06, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Step-child adoption
I hired Melissa Graham-Hurd for my step parent adoption case. During this process she was very upfront and informative on the steps and the processes that would take about a year. The lawyer rates were very fair. I would recommend her practice to all my family and friends that seek legal consulting...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting us with something as joyful and meaningful as a stepparent adoption! Welcoming a child into your family in this way is one of life's most beautiful milestones, and we are so honored to have been a part of your journey. We know that a process spanning nearly a year requires patience, and keeping our clients fully informed and prepared at every stage is something we take very seriously. No one should ever feel surprised or uncertain about where things stand, especially in a matter this important. Thank you for the kind recommendation to your family and friends — there is truly no greater compliment. We wish your growing family all the love and happiness you deserve, and we are always here if you ever need us again!
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 Katelynn | August 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Very kind and helpful
Melissa and her team helped me through the dissolution process. I left an abusive marriage where my husband was also unfaithful. They made the process very easy as I was really struggling at the time with my mental health due to the trauma. They were always super kind to me and very helpful. I would ...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for your courage in sharing your story and for trusting us during one of the most difficult and vulnerable times a person can face. Leaving a situation like yours takes tremendous strength, and we are so proud of you for taking that step. We understand that when someone comes to us carrying that kind of pain, they need more than just legal guidance — they need a team that will treat them with gentleness, patience, and unwavering kindness every step of the way. We are so glad our team was able to be that for you and that we could help make the process as smooth and manageable as possible during such a hard time. Thank you for the heartfelt recommendation and for entrusting us with something so deeply personal. We wish you all the healing, peace, and happiness you so deserve in this new chapter ahead. We are always here if you ever 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
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03 Nov 2021
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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