Identifying and Resolving Risk Concerns For Home and Family Office
Insurance professionals are often the unsung heroes of a client’s inner circle of trusted advisors. Experienced risk managers will immediately introduce their clients to Teresa Leigh Home + Family Office for expert advice and support.
Client Projects We Have Recently Resolved
“A household employee told the employer she hurt herself while working in the home. She wants to take time off from work and wants to be paid for days off. Can the employee be let go if she is not available to work?”
“What is the best way to help homeowners who have domestic workers understand the value of workers’ compensation? Isn’t it a mandatory requirement for homeowners?”
“My client seems to have considerable drama and turnover of their property and house staff. We see this as an expensive and high-risk situation. I was told you are the person to talk to. When can we connect?”
“My client wants to hire a live-in caregiver for their mom. But the mom does not want anyone living in or on her property. My idea is for the employee to have the apartment over the carriage house, but they would have to move out in the summer when the client’s extended family comes to visit. What do you think of this idea?”
“My housekeeper says that after 15 years of working for me with no benefits, she wants a 50% pay raise or she is leaving me for another family. Hiring a new housekeeper would be cheaper wouldn’t it? Can we talk about this?”
“We have several aging clients who are becoming heavily dependent on their older household employees for daily care. Recently an employee seriously hurt her back while trying to lift the homeowner out of the bathtub, resulting in a settlement. What can we do to educate homeowners about these issues?”
“While my husband and I travel, I am certain the staff are using the pool and pool house. How do I tell them they should not be using our pool?”
“I needed an experienced property manager, so I hired a local retired golf course manager. However, after eight months, I really don’t think he understands the job. Can we talk about my options or should I just fire him?”
“My house staff also works at my businesses. I was told by my attorney that my household employees should not be on a company payroll. Where is the risk? What do we do next?”
“I never got around to making reference calls before hiring my personal assistant. He’s been with me for six months and I’m having second thoughts about this hire. I don’t feel I can trust his judgement. What do I do?”
“We would like to understand the difference between online background checks, employment screenings, and background investigations. Is it true these reports do not show worker’s compensation claims or employee terminations with cause?”
“We live in Venice Beach, California. We have several small mom-pop companies that provide services for our property. We recently learned that California views these ‘companies’ as our employees. Is this true?”
“My elderly client lives on a family ranch in a remote area of the country. I am very concerned about the number of employees that seem to come and go from his ‘ranch’. He now tells me several people are living on his property in guest cabins. His sister recently contacted me and voiced her concern about the possibility he has dementia.Can we talk through the risk issues with this situation?”
“Can I place a GPS tracking device on my personal assistant’s SUV? We give her a monthly stipend for errands and pay her mileage, but I think she is exaggerating her mileage number and overcharging us.”
“I just hired a wonderful nanny. We would like to pay her a generous salary and benefits but were told we can’t pay her a salary. What do you think?”
Testimonials
Testimonials
Holland and Abbie
"Our family is huge with a never-ending list of projects. Teresa can quickly get to the heart of an issue. She provided us with life-changing insights into staff and vendor relationships that were truly enlightening! We respect her guidance and recommend her to our friends and colleagues."
Beatrice
“Teresa Leigh is one of the best advisors our office has ever hired. Her counsel is incredibly helpful and offers us a new perspective. Our family office has five high-profile families with multiple homes all over the world. Our team would strongly endorse Teresa’s expertise.”
Greg
“We have worked with Teresa for a little over eight years. We started with two homes and bought a ranch in Southern California. Teresa stepped into our lives, hired staff, created structure, and streamlined the accounting and communication processes. Teresa is a lifesaver. Her sincerity, sensitivity, and guidance are unparalleled.”
Testimonials are direct quotes from our clients, however their likeness and names are confidential
Testimonials
Emily
“I am a new mom of twin boys and one 10-year-old with special needs. Teresa is the wonder woman advisor in my life. She managed all the details so we could hire long-term helpers. I have Teresa on speed dial.”
Anna
“Teresa has worked for me and my family office for over 11 years. We first hired her to help us resolve a rather unfortunate staff termination. It was mission accomplished in quick time minus the drama. Teresa is one of the family and knows us so well. My family and I would with great honor recommend her service.”
Stephen
“We have had great success with a number of complex family office staffing issues. Teresa has a remarkable way of listening and getting straight to identifying the problem and presenting us a quick solution. Truly remarkable skills.”
Testimonials are direct quotes from our clients, however their likeness and names are confidential
