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
Alana
“I love working with Teresa and her team, a highly professional group. We have been working with Teresa 11 years plus and would highly recommend their service.”
Robert
"Our family office hit the jackpot when we hired Teresa's firm. I would wholeheartedly recommend this firm."
Birgit
“My family office recommended Teresa. We have worked together on projects over the last 12 years. We value her advice. She is super chill to talk with. It’s a little like therapy, a pep talk, and problem solving all put together. I thoroughly enjoy our time together and look forward to our next Zoom call.”
Hannah
"Teresa stepped in to help us with an uncomfortable child care hire and managed the employee's exit. Teresa hired a perfect Educator Nanny for our growing family who happily travels with us all over the world. Teresa has my family's highest recommendation."
Dylan
"I love when people exceed my expectations. Teresa does this in spades. We have been working together for five years plus. She is always there when I need the best insight and guidance. Best advisor I ever hired."
Andre
“Teresa is so easy and chill to talk with. She makes life easier for me and my kids. I would offer a recommendation of her advisory service to every family."
Daniel
“Teresa really understands the needs of our families. Over the last four to five years, Teresa has helped us successfully hire six new staff members for our office and properties. Teresa's ability to match candidates to our culture, personality, and skill requirements is remarkably accurate. We have had zero turnover since working with her firm. I would recommend her service to all family offices.“
Martha
“Teresa is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. Her counsel is honest, straightforward, and exceptionally insightful. Teresa comes highly endorsed by our entire team.”
Sofia
"Teresa helped us get organized after we sold our company. We purchased a large working ranch, a beach house, and a tree house. Teresa managed all of our hires and payroll. Her team created a preferred vendors' list for each location and made a brilliant introduction to a celebrity horse trainer. This firm is truly best in class."
Annette
"We are so grateful for Teresa; having her as our advisor over the past few years has been a true gift and an amazing asset to our family office. Her years of knowledge and hands-on experience have assisted us greatly in the efficiency of our household staff and private estate management. We immediately developed a great rapport and partnership, and it’s only strengthened over the years. No matter the issue and/or concern, Teresa Leigh is always our first call and the expert on helping resolve the problem."
Baneeta
"My husband and I are really low-key people but we love, love big houses. Fast forward two houses and a vacation condo later, and I didn't know it took so much of my day to be dealing with service vendors and scheduling their appointments. Teresa helped me understand either I am doing it or I need to hire someone to help me. We hired the staff she suggested, and we live a better life for it. Teresa is fabulous!"
Sarah
“My husband and I were referred to Teresa by our wealth advisor. We have a remote property with house and farm helpers. Since we hired Teresa in 2014, the turnover has stopped. We love working with her!”
Elva
"Teresa thankfully came into my life just after the loss of my husband. I appreciate all she has done for me and my extended family. Teresa is a very knowledgeable and kind person."
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.”
Elizabeth
“I trust all my household property issues to Teresa. She is a gem to work with. Teresa listens and gives me a new way to communicate. It has been very effective, and my staff seems happier than ever. We've been working together for over 12 years. I highly recommend her service.”
Dianna
“I am so thankful for Teresa's counsel. Her guidance on our projects was and is fantastic. She has a ‘spidey sense’ that is marvelously accurate. We would recommend Teresa to anyone seeking an honest form of expertise and empathy.”
Racine
“Teresa helped us settle a situation with property employees and back wages owed. This was successfully resolved and we retained our employees!Teresa is best at resolving delicate problems with staff. Highly recommend her firm and services.”
Edward
“Teresa offers us a safe place to talk through a variety of topics. We call her for insight, candor, and problem solving. My brother and I highly recommend Teresa. You’ll be in good hands.”
Stevie
“I’ve successfully worked with Teresa for many years. She is a great listener and her counsel is always on target. I really enjoy working with her."
Maureen
"Hiring Teresa's firm in 2016 was the best decision I ever made for our family office. Teresa is fantastic. We would recommend her firm to every family or family office."
Susan
“My word, where do I begin? Teresa has worked as an advisor for our family for over 15 years. She is wonderful at listening and understanding my problems; sometimes I can’t even vocalize them myself. An emotional issue we dealt with recently—my mom was doing great at the age of 81 and then she wasn’t. Teresa helped us to hire a full-time care team and communicated all the details with our family office. I thank God every day for her being in our lives.”
Pilar
“My husband and I were referred by a dear friend. We were struggling to care for my aging parents while dealing with renovation projects and were positive more than one vendor was double dipping on billing. Teresa and her team prioritized a project list and solved the problems. We even received a refund from a vendor. Thank God for Teresa.”
Shawn
“Whenever I have a concern or I am not 100% sure of what to do, I just run it by Teresa. After nine years and three houses, she knows me very well. This is the company to contact for property and staff expertise.”
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."
Abigale
“Teresa is our advisor and guidepost, providing practical solutions for our family office staff and vendors. She is a master at navigating important relationships. My family and I highly recommend this firm—very easy to work with.”
Anna
“Teresa is such a blessing to me and my late husband. I call on her for household property things, house staff, or if we need a local vendor. My family office hired Teresa as an advisor for other family members. I would definitely refer her company.”
Michelle
"Teresa provides a one-of-a-kind service to family offices and the families we serve. A unique mix of expert, counselor, advisor, coach and service provider. All of us think the world of her and her team; would highly recommend."
Candace
"Teresa is a life saver. She helped my husband and I resolve a number of sensitive staffing and vendor issues. Teresa is very easy to work with; we love working with her."
Stewart
"I would recommend Teresa to everyone dealing with problematic household or property vendors. She is the best there is on these matters."
William and Suzanna
“After my mother's debilitating stroke and my dad lost the car, we had no clue how to manage our parents care options. Teresa listened to our heartache, made sense of all the chaos, and provided quick solutions we were happy with. Very grateful for this wonderful service.”
Testimonials are direct quotes from our clients, however their likeness and names are confidential
Testimonials
Colleen
“Teresa solved a complicated vendor over-billing problem. Teresa's office contacted the vendor on our behalf and resolved the issue in less than two weeks. A highly effective and professional team."
Stewart
"I would recommend Teresa to everyone dealing with problematic household or property vendors. She is the best there is on these matters."
William and Suzanna
“After my mother's debilitating stroke and my dad lost the car, we had no clue how to manage our parents care options. Teresa listened to our heartache, made sense of all the chaos, and provided quick solutions we were happy with. Very grateful for this wonderful service.”
Susan
“My word, where do I begin? Teresa has worked as an advisor for our family for over 15 years. She is wonderful at listening and understanding my problems; sometimes I can’t even vocalize them myself. An emotional issue we dealt with recently—my mom was doing great at the age of 81 and then she wasn’t. Teresa helped us to hire a full-time care team and communicated all the details with our family office. I thank God every day for her being in our lives.”
Richard
“Great firm. We had just acquired a large property out of state and needed help with all kinds of things. Teresa's counsel was dead on and gave us immediate direction for next steps. We have continued to engage services for over 10 years.”
Hannah
"Teresa stepped in to help us with an uncomfortable child care hire and managed the employee's exit. Teresa hired a perfect Educator Nanny for our growing family who happily travels with us all over the world. Teresa has my family's highest recommendation."
Stevie
“I’ve successfully worked with Teresa for many years. She is a great listener and her counsel is always on target. I really enjoy working with her."
Michelle
"Teresa provides a one-of-a-kind service to family offices and the families we serve. A unique mix of expert, counselor, advisor, coach and service provider. All of us think the world of her and her team; would highly recommend."
Margarite
“Our family office needed guidance on a new position. Teresa introduced us to the perfect chief of staff. We enjoy working with the her and her team—very professional.”
Rome
“A word to describe Teresa is one badass advisor. There is no bull sh*t with her guidance. It's full-on straight talk. Teresa has successfully problem-solved the sh*t out of everything I have ever sent her. I would highly recommend contacting her.”
Sam
“New houses, cars, crazy life—I needed help putting it all together. Management of people and projects ain't my thing. Teresa made it easy for me, and I can’t say enough good words about her. She is the best.”
Maureen
"Hiring Teresa's firm in 2016 was the best decision I ever made for our family office. Teresa is fantastic. We would recommend her firm to every family or family office."
Colin
“Teresa's advisory service is my favorite—hands down the best. They manage everything and make it look easy.”
Abigale
“Teresa is our advisor and guidepost, providing practical solutions for our family office staff and vendors. She is a master at navigating important relationships. My family and I highly recommend this firm—very easy to work with.”
Antonio
"I am grateful every day for the wonderful help Ms. Leigh has brought into my life. She has helped me to hire a bookkeeper, a personal assistant, a nanny for my daughter and made organization of all my life. I am blessed beyond words to know her and to recommend her magnificent skills."
Dorena
“This is the best advisory service. Teresa is there when I need her, listening, lowering the stress level, so I can focus on creating a peaceful household for my family.”
Lance
“I hired Teresa Leigh's firm for advisory, staff management, and human resources. Teresa has incredible insight and understanding of our long-term goals. Simply put, a must have advisory firm."
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.”
Birgit
“My family office recommended Teresa. We have worked together on projects over the last 12 years. We value her advice. She is super chill to talk with. It’s a little like therapy, a pep talk, and problem solving all put together. I thoroughly enjoy our time together and look forward to our next Zoom call.”
Pilar
“My husband and I were referred by a dear friend. We were struggling to care for my aging parents while dealing with renovation projects and were positive more than one vendor was double dipping on billing. Teresa and her team prioritized a project list and solved the problems. We even received a refund from a vendor. Thank God for Teresa.”
Baneeta
"My husband and I are really low-key people but we love, love big houses. Fast forward two houses and a vacation condo later, and I didn't know it took so much of my day to be dealing with service vendors and scheduling their appointments. Teresa helped me understand either I am doing it or I need to hire someone to help me. We hired the staff she suggested, and we live a better life for it. Teresa is fabulous!"
Candace
"Teresa is a life saver. She helped my husband and I resolve a number of sensitive staffing and vendor issues. Teresa is very easy to work with; we love working with her."
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.”
Elva
"Teresa thankfully came into my life just after the loss of my husband. I appreciate all she has done for me and my extended family. Teresa is a very knowledgeable and kind person."
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.”
Andre
“Teresa is so easy and chill to talk with. She makes life easier for me and my kids. I would offer a recommendation of her advisory service to every family."
Dylan
"I love when people exceed my expectations. Teresa does this in spades. We have been working together for five years plus. She is always there when I need the best insight and guidance. Best advisor I ever hired."
Anna
“Teresa is such a blessing to me and my late husband. I call on her for household property things, house staff, or if we need a local vendor. My family office hired Teresa as an advisor for other family members. I would definitely refer her company.”
Annette
"We are so grateful for Teresa; having her as our advisor over the past few years has been a true gift and an amazing asset to our family office. Her years of knowledge and hands-on experience have assisted us greatly in the efficiency of our household staff and private estate management. We immediately developed a great rapport and partnership, and it’s only strengthened over the years. No matter the issue and/or concern, Teresa Leigh is always our first call and the expert on helping resolve the problem."
Robert
"Our family office hit the jackpot when we hired Teresa's firm. I would wholeheartedly recommend this firm."
Testimonials are direct quotes from our clients, however their likeness and names are confidential
