$ 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 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Adoption
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 John | September 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Great to work with
Melissa and staff were great to work with in the process of the adoption of my son!
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Congratulations on the adoption of your son — what a beautiful and life-changing milestone! We are so happy and honored to have been a part of such a special journey for your family. Thank you for the kind words about our team. Moments like this are exactly why we love what we do, and we wish you and your son a lifetime of love and happiness together. We 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 Amy | April 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Step daughter adoption
Melissa Graham Hurd and Assoc. helped our family with a step daughter adoption. Melissa is very knowledgeable in this area and provided lots of information on how the process works. The staff and Melissa were very quick to respond to emails and answer any questions we had. Our adoption was completed ...
Melissa Graham-Hurd
Replied last September 22, 2026Congratulations on the adoption of your daughter — what a beautiful and joyful milestone for your whole family! We are so honored to have been a part of making it official and helping bring your family closer together in such a meaningful way. Adoption cases are some of our favorite matters to handle — and making sure every family feels informed, supported, and never left waiting on answers is something our entire team takes great pride in. Knowing everything was completed in a timely manner and that you walked away happy means the world to us. Thank you for the wonderful recommendation and for sharing your joy with us. We wish your family — including your daughter — a lifetime of love and beautiful memories together. We are always here 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
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03 Nov 2021
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26 Sep 2021
Q&A
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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