Melissa Hernandez was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2017. Melissa mainly practices probate, guardianship and estate planning at Sanchez Law Group, PA. Prior to joining the firm, Melissa was the founder and owner of a solo practice focused on probate, estate planning and immigration. Prior to starting her practice, she served as an Assistant County Attorney where she prepared contracts, ordinances and other legal documents. Her practice areas included environmental law, sports tourism, animal law, and housing.

Melissa was born and raised in New York and moved to Central Florida in 2000. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Melissa earned a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, City University of New York and Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester.  In 2016, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Barry University School of Law.

In addition to her legal training, Melissa has over fifteen years of public service experience providing direct social services and coordinating community events for nonprofit organizations, city government and elected officials. With extensive experience in serving the community, Melissa has a passion for advocating for those in need. Throughout her career, she has consistently worked to give back to underserved communities and supporting initiatives that benefit the less fortunate.  In 2010, she was a Finalist for the Female in Public Service Award by La Prensa newspaper. In 2012, Melissa received the Don Quixote Award for Excellence by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando for her demonstrated leadership and community involvement.

She served as a 2021-2023 Fellow with the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar and is currently a member of the Florida Bar Government and Public Policy Committee, Solo and Small Firm Section, and the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section.

Outside of her professional life, Melissa is married with two teenage children. She enjoys reading and is an active supporter of her kids' sports, regularly attending their soccer, lacrosse, and cheerleading events.