About Coastal Legacy Law
Our goal is to redefine the traditional approach to legal services.
We are on your side and care deeply about keeping you and your family protected.
There are no stiff or impersonal lawyers at our firm. Instead, you’ll meet a team of compassionate individuals eager to help.
At Coastal Legacy Law, we stand for...
Doing the extraordinary in the everyday.
Our dedication is unmatched. We make sure to really listen and truly understand who you are, along with your values, needs, and aspirations.
Fair pricing is our commitment to you.
Our work is done on a set-price basis so there are no surprises. You’ll always know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost.
Knowledge is power.
It's important to us that you feel confident in your estate plan. Educating our clients and the community is at the heart of our mission.
We're always here for you.
We've put together a team that’s here to support you. You’ll be able to talk to someone to get your questions answered right away.
The Coastal Legacy Law story...
Our story, led by Irene de Jesus, is rooted in resilience, love, and a deep commitment to family.
Irene’s journey started in foster care. After aging out of the system, yet determined to have a better life, she became a trauma nurse in Jacksonville, Florida.
That was where she encountered firsthand the harsh realities of illness and tragedy. Life took a dramatic turn when her fellow nurse husband, Hector, decided to go to law school. Just months before graduation, Hector was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and their world was shaken.
Hector and Irene knew they needed to secure the futures of their young sons (aged 8 and 9 at the time), so they put together a traditional estate plan. But, the process left them feeling unprepared and vulnerable.
Their lawyer prepared some documents — which they didn’t fully understand — the documents were stuck in a drawer and never looked at again. It felt wrong.
Hector and Irene discovered that typical estate planning was often impersonal and ineffective.
Determined to make a difference, Irene went to law school herself. She graduated and founded Coastal Legacy Law with Hector. Their mission was clear: to provide empathetic, transparent, and tailored support to families.
Even after Hector’s passing in 2022, his spirit and values continue to guide the firm.
Here's what sets us apart:
Flat Fees: No hourly billing. We agree on a price upfront, so there are no surprises.
Team Support: We were here to support you. Our team is standing by ready to answer your questions right away, even after your plan is done.
Comprehensive Ongoing Care: Our ongoing care ensures that your plan adapts to life’s changes. New baby? Buy a home? Other life changes? We review your plan every 1-3 years, at no cost to you.
At Coastal Legacy Law, we don’t just draft documents. We are dedicated to making sure your family is protected. We want you to feel confident and empowered, knowing you’ve made the best decisions for your loved ones.
Let us help you protect your family’s future and create a lasting legacy. Contact us at (833) 358-7878 or attend one of our to get started today.
Our Committed Team
Meet the caring team at Coastal Legacy Law, who are dedicated to making your aspirations, dreams, and vision a reality.
Irene de Jesus, Esq.
FOUNDING ATTORNEY
A Trauma Nurse Turned Attorney Dedicated to Protecting Families
Before practicing law, Irene served as a trauma nurse, caring for people during their most vulnerable moments. When her late husband, Hector, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Irene witnessed firsthand the emotional, medical, and legal challenges that come with life’s unexpected turns. That experience inspired her transition into elder law, where she blends medical understanding with legal clarity to guide families with compassion.
Why Families Trust Irene
- Approachable, relationship-focused planning
- Experience in both medical and legal decision-making
- Deep commitment to helping families avoid crisis-driven decisions
- Clear communication without legal overwhelm
- A strong track record serving Central Florida families for over a decade
Professional Affiliations
Elder Law College • WealthCounsel • Personal Family Lawyer • Florida Nurses Association • Life Care Planning Law Firms Association
Hector de Jesus, Esq.
HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER, ATTORNEY, MENTOR
Hector grew up in Deltona and graduated from DeLand High School in 1981 and then from Navy Medic Training in 1985. He graduated from Barry Law School in 2004 and co-founded the firm with Irene in 2012 after serving as COO at Florida Hospital DeLand.
It is impossible to say all the ways this one man impacted his family and community and what a good man he was.
It is impossible to say all the ways this one man impacted his family and community and what a good man he was.
Alexis “Lexi” Merzoyan, Esq.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
A Calm, Thoughtful Legal Partner for Every Family
Lexi brings a steady, compassionate presence to estate planning—helping clients understand their options and feel genuinely supported. She specializes in crafting plans that reflect a family’s values, needs, and long-term goals. Her sincerity and clarity make even complex topics feel approachable.
Why Families Appreciate Lexi
- Creates space for honest, emotional conversations
- Takes time to understand each client’s unique story
- Handles urgent planning needs with precision and care
- Prioritizes relationships over transactions
- Skilled at guiding families through difficult decisions
Guiding Philosophy
“Time does not stop for anyone; what we do with the time we have truly counts.”
Lexi is deeply motivated by her two boys and the future she’s building for them—and she brings that same dedication to every family she serves.
Vanessa Brooks, Esq.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
A Former Prosecutor Now Advocating for Families With Clarity and Peace
Vanessa began her career aiming to be a prosecutor but discovered her true passion was helping people through life’s most challenging moments with clarity and compassion. Early work in an estate planning office showed her how powerful thoughtful planning can be for families. Her time in Dependency Court and prosecution taught her to see the human story behind every case. Today, she uses that experience to guide families through estate planning and probate with honesty, empathy, and clear explanation.
Why Families Trust Vanessa
- A calming, thoughtful approach shaped by years in emotionally intense legal settings
- Deep commitment to treating clients with dignity, compassion, and clarity
- A teacher at heart—she helps clients understand their options, not just sign documents
- Ability to see the human story behind every situation
- A guiding presence for families facing uncertainty, grief, or indecision
Beyond the Office
A lover of books, theme parks, long walks, and working out, Vanessa finds joy in staying active and exploring new experiences. She has narrated three books on Audible, ran a half-marathon, and hopes to one day take on the world’s toughest race. Her sense of adventure mirrors the energy she brings to helping families move forward with confidence.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Silvana de Jesus
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
The Culture-Builder Who Ensures Every Detail Reflects Care
Silvana oversees operations, team development, and client experience with a servant-leadership mindset. She believes every team member has purpose, and she ensures the firm’s processes reflect empathy, organization, and excellence.
What Defines Her Leadership
- Servant leadership rooted in purpose
- Deep belief that every role matters
- Focus on details that elevate client care
- Commitment to team growth and culture
- Passion for creating meaningful experiences
Beyond the Office
Silvana once spent 28 days in the wilderness, backpacking, kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking, and caving. She loves being outdoors, creating beautiful spaces, and finding quiet moments that help her stay grounded and intentional in her work and life.
Her favorite guiding quote:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for God.”
Valentina Gomez
MARKETING DIRECTOR
The Strategist Behind Our Communication, Outreach & Brand Story
Valentina leads the firm’s marketing strategy, community engagement, and educational outreach. With a Master’s in Marketing from the University of Florida and a background in healthcare communications, she blends creativity and empathy to help families understand the importance of planning ahead. She believes impactful marketing is a team effort rooted in empathy, clarity, service—and keeping God at the center of everything you do.
What She Brings to the Leadership Team
- A strategic, data-informed approach to firm growth
- Messaging that connects families to meaningful planning
- Clear, compassionate communication across all channels
- A focus on helping the team share a unified, supportive client experience
- A commitment to building trust with transparency and education
Outside the Office
She enjoys writing songs (with AI), playing ukulele, exploring local coffee shops, solving sudoku, and traveling. She lives in Florida with her husband, a photographer, and their daughter, Elena. Valentina’s guiding belief: When communication is human and helpful, families feel supported.
Nathalia Ball
CLIENT RELATIONS AND ELDER CARE DIRECTOR
The Empowering Guide Who Helps Families Feel Seen, Strong, and Supported
With a background in finance and business, she transitioned into social work after becoming a mother, earning her Master’s and advanced certifications to serve families more meaningfully. She helps clients reconnect with their strengths, turning overwhelming moments into clarity, confidence, and empowered action.
What She Brings to the Team
- A deeply empathetic, client-centered approach
- Strong foundation in mediation, social work, and legal support
- The ability to empower clients to recognize their own strengths and solutions
- Calm, collaborative energy that fosters trust and openness
- A mission-driven mindset focused on meaningful, long-term impact
Beyond the Office
A devoted mom, she finds joy in spending time with her family, listening to audiobooks, cooking, and being outdoors. She’s passionate about personal growth through yoga, meditation, and meaningful conversations, and loves sharing learning moments with her kids through documentaries and everyday experiences.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE & SUPPORT TEAM
Kaitlyn Covert
CLIENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR
A Warm, Supportive Guide for Every Family
Kaitlyn helps clients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their planning journey. She is known for her personable nature, steady patience, and commitment to making difficult decisions feel simpler.
What She Brings
- Easy, natural conversations
- Calm support during emotional decisions
- A commitment to client comfort and clarity
Beyond the Office
Kaitlyn is a proud mom of two boys and brings that same protective, nurturing spirit to her work. She enjoys quiet family days, local outings, and finding activities that help her boys learn and grow.
Kathleen Luceñara
RELATIONS CORDINATOR & EXECCUTIVE ASSISTANT
The Organizational Backbone Who Ensures Smooth Communication
Kathleen brings over ten years of administrative leadership and client service experience. She supports both clients and the legal team with professionalism, empathy, and exceptional attention to detail.
What She Brings
- , consistent communication
- A calm, supportive presence
- organization and follow-through
- A philosophy that small acts of care make big impact
Beyond the Office
Outside work, she enjoys exploring food spots, listening to music, spending time with family, and finding new ways to stay organized. Kathleen also loves discovering new hobbies and creating routines that keep life balanced.
Hann Martino
MARKETING ASSISTANT
A Creative Mind Supporting the Firm’s Outreach and Design
Hann blends research, design, and content creation to support marketing initiatives. Her background in Political Science, paralegal work, and graphic design gives her a unique mix of analytical and creative strengths.
What She Brings
Strong design & creative problem-solving
Research-driven marketing support
Consistent attention to detail
A collaborative, respectful approach
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, she enjoys caring for her cats, drinking coffee, playing board games, and watching sunsets. Hann also loves afternoon walks, quiet reading sessions, and finding cozy, peaceful spots to recharge.
Nessa Dasilio
LEGAL SPECIALIST
A Detail-Oriented Legal Professional Dedicated to Protecting Families
With her Juris Doctor and years of paralegal experience, Nessa crafts estate plans that are clear, thorough, and tailored to each client. She is committed to ensuring families feel secure and protected.
What She Brings
Precision and legal expertise
Compassion-driven drafting
A commitment to client reassurance
Beyond the Office
She enjoys novels, long drives, cafés, time with loved ones, and is currently learning ASL. Nessa also loves exploring new hobbies and seeking out quiet, restorative places to unwind.
(833) 358–7878
New Smyrna Beach
Office
(833) 358–7878
Coastal Legacy Law Locations
Main Office
By Appointment
Attorney Advertising. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Ⓒ2026 Coastal Legacy Law LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms & Conditions