$ 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 21 - 24 of 24 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Shaun | April 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Fair & Professional - A+
Melissa and her team were very professional and kind through the entire divorce process. Her team was always available and responded lightning fast to any questions I had. Melissa laid out our plan from the beginning and never pushed an agenda to bump up costs. I can't say enough about her and her...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this A+ review — we are truly humbled and so grateful for your kind words! Kind, passionate, fair, and lightning fast — you just described our team perfectly and we could not be more proud of that. We want every client to feel from the very first conversation that they have a clear plan, an honest advocate, and a team that is working entirely in their best interest — never to pad a bill or push an unnecessary agenda. Transparency and integrity are non-negotiables for us, and knowing that came through so clearly for you means the world to our entire team. That is straight talk with compassion from start to finish. Thank you for the incredibly enthusiastic recommendation and for trusting us through your divorce. We wish you all the very best in this next chapter and will absolutely be here whenever you need us!
Posted by Julia | July 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
HIghly Recommended
Melissa Graham-Hurd is an excellent attorney. She came highly recommended from several other attorneys so has the respect of her peers. In addition, she knows both the law and the Summit court system and its people very well which is a notable advantage. She is highly professional and always stay...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Thank you so much for this incredibly detailed and generous review — and for your patience and trust through what was clearly one of the most complex and demanding legal journeys a client can face. A contentious divorce spanning several years and reaching the Court of Appeals requires a level of legal knowledge, stamina, and strategic thinking that our firm takes enormous pride in, and we are so honored that you felt well represented at every stage. Being recommended by fellow attorneys is one of the highest forms of professional validation we can receive, and knowing that our reputation within Summit County's courts and among our legal peers continues to reflect the standard we hold ourselves to means everything to our team. Fighting hard for what our clients want while also being honest and direct when a different approach would better serve their interests — that is straight talk with compassion at the highest level of practice. You deserved both, and we are so glad you received both. Thank you for the years of trust, for the thoughtful review, and for your very high recommendation. It was truly an honor to represent you through such a challenging process. We wish you all the very best ahead and are always here should you ever need us again!
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 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
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