Melissa Graham-Hurd

Melissa Graham-Hurd has dedicated her career to serving clients in Canton, Ohio, since earning her degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 1984. She is admitted to practice in all Ohio state courts and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.

Her practice focuses on Family Law, covering a broad range of issues such as divorce, dissolution, and post-decree matters like enforcement and modifications of decrees concerning parenting and support. She also handles cases involving unmarried parents with shared children and property, antenuptial and cohabitation agreements, third-party visitation and custody, and mediation of family law issues. Additionally, her expertise extends to step-parent adoptions, minor name changes, and estate planning services including wills, trusts, and estate administration.

Ms. Graham-Hurd has held leadership roles, including Chair of the Akron Bar Association’s Family Law Committee and Chair of the Ohio State Bar Association Family Law Committee. Her contributions to the legal field include serving on an Ohio Supreme Court Committee on Children, Families, and the Courts, and assisting in drafting laws and rules for the Ohio Legislature and Ohio Supreme Court. She is also involved in creating the certification exam for Family Relations specialists.

An active educator, Ms. Graham-Hurd frequently lectures and conducts continuing education seminars for fellow attorneys in Family Law. She has contributed a chapter on Government Pensions to a leading Ohio Family Law treatise. Additionally, she holds a certificate in General and Family Mediation and has acted as Guardian ad Litem in family law cases, advocating for the best interests of children.