Bridging Law and Life: How Herzog Law’s Kym Hance Brings Compassion and Clarity to Elder and Estate Planning
When most people think of an estate or elder law firm, they picture attorneys drafting wills, setting up trusts, and navigating Medicaid paperwork. But at Herzog Law Firm, one of New York’s most respected elder and estate planning practices, the story goes much deeper.
At the heart of that story is Kym Hance, Herzog’s Certified Care Manager—a social worker who helps families navigate not just the legal complexities of aging, but the deeply human ones as well.
A Human Touch in a Legal World
Kym’s role at Herzog is unlike anything most law firms offer. With a background spanning decades in elder care—from nursing homes and assisted living to the Alzheimer’s Association—she brings a social work perspective into an arena usually defined by legal documents and financial planning.
“I sort of specialize in all things getting older,” Kym explains. “My passion has always been helping older adults and their families navigate the systems they face—medical, emotional, and logistical.”
That means when families come to Herzog, they’re not just getting legal expertise—they’re getting someone who will sit at the kitchen table, visit their loved one’s home, assess safety and independence, and help coordinate the real-world services that make aging with dignity possible.
“It’s one thing to complete a Medicaid application,” she says, “but the hard part is understanding what’s actually available—and helping clients get connected to the right resources.”
What Herzog Law Firm Does
Founded in 1946, Herzog Law Firm focuses on estate planning, elder law, and long-term care planning. The firm helps clients of all ages protect their assets, create healthcare proxies and powers of attorney, and plan for future care needs.
While “estate planning” can sound like something reserved for the wealthy, Herzog’s attorneys emphasize that it’s really for everyone. “Anyone 18 or older should have at least a healthcare proxy and power of attorney,” Kym notes. “It’s about being prepared, not just about wealth.”
The firm’s elder law practice goes further—addressing the tough realities of retirement, healthcare, and aging. Herzog’s attorneys and Kym work together to ensure that each plan is not just legally sound but also practical for the client’s daily life.
How to Know It’s Time to Start the Conversation
Most families don’t call Herzog because of a single big event—they call because of a series of small changes that, together, signal that something’s shifting.
Kym says those indicators are often easy to miss at first, but noticing them early can make all the difference.
“You don’t need to wait for a crisis,” she says. “If you’re starting to worry about a loved one—or you’re not sure what to do next—that’s the time to call.”
Here are some common signs it may be time to reach out:
- Household changes – unopened mail, unpaid bills, or household chores that seem neglected
- Health or mobility concerns – recent falls, changes in gait, or unaddressed medical needs
- Memory or mood shifts – confusion, forgetfulness, or frustration that’s out of character
- Safety worries – driving issues, medication errors, or poor nutrition
- Family tension – disagreements among siblings or guilt about “doing the right thing”
- Caregiver burnout – when family members are simply overwhelmed
“These are all red flags that something’s changing,” Kym explains. “You don’t have to have all the answers—just start the conversation. That’s what we’re here for.”
A Unique Partnership: Legal Strategy Meets Care Management
Kym’s position within the firm is rare in the legal world. She’s not a lawyer—she’s a licensed social worker and certified case manager who collaborates directly with Herzog’s attorneys.
This partnership means that families get help from every angle. The attorneys handle the legal side—estate documents, trusts, Medicaid qualification—while Kym works to put those plans into practice.
She connects clients to home care agencies, arranges community services, and even mediates tough family conversations. “I spend a lot of time helping families come to a common goal,” she explains. “Sometimes parents aren’t ready to hear things from their kids—but they’ll listen to someone neutral.”
The result is a truly holistic approach to elder care—one that looks beyond paperwork and into the lives and homes of the people being served.
Aging with Dignity, Planning with Purpose
Kym’s work often begins long before a crisis. She encourages families to start conversations early—about finances, care preferences, and even end-of-life wishes. “The worst time to talk about end-of-life decisions is at the end of life,” she says. “Planning ahead gives people control and reduces stress on families later.”
She meets with clients across Herzog’s four offices—in Albany, Saratoga, Kingston, and Queensbury—and often conducts home visits to see firsthand what support is needed. “Sometimes the little things tell you the most,” she says. “A cluttered counter, unpaid bills, or a fridge that’s not well-stocked can be signs someone needs help.”
Her goal is always the same: to make the “golden years” a little brighter. “We call them the golden years, but for many people they don’t feel that way,” Kym reflects. “My job is to help them live the best version of that stage—whatever that means for them.”
A Model for the Future of Elder Law
Herzog Law’s integration of an Aging Life Care Manager sets it apart not only locally but nationally. Few firms combine social work, healthcare insight, and legal planning under one roof, and the model has proven to be a powerful differentiator.
For families facing the challenges of aging parents—or those simply wanting to plan ahead—it’s a comforting thought: there’s a firm that sees the whole person, not just the paperwork.
Learn More
Herzog Law Firm offers complimentary initial consultations, community education programs, and a library of on-demand webinars about estate and elder law topics.
Visit www.herzoglaw.com to learn more, sign up for their newsletter, or connect with Kym and the team.