what if she doesn't want to leave the house ?

Hi,


Just wondering what to do in case my helper refuses to leave the house on her last day ?

And what about if she refuses to sign the release letter ?


Any advice how to handle her moving out properly ?


Thx

Make sure you have given her proper notice in good time.


On the day, if she refuses to leave. you can call building guards. If your building has no guards, or if they don't help, call the police.


You can make up a second letter stating "I refuse to sign the release letter" and have her sign that I suppose.



Out of curiosity, why are you expecting trouble?

make sure that when there are witnesses (non- family) around to counter sign when she signs anything, and on her last day.


this would prevent your helper making up stories and going to the labor dept. about being coerced to leave or being released without her knowledge.


on the other hand, if she decide to leave without signing anything, have witnesses around also including the guard to state that she left on her own will and refused to sign her release

Most importantly, do not hand over the money unless she signs the letter acknowledging receipt of those payments!! If you let her walk away with the cash (e.g. one month's salary in lieu of notice + airfare home + any other monies) and she doesn't sign, you have no proof you paid and she might try to claim you did not give her anything.


I have experienced this once only - I terminated a helper and asked her to leave immediately. She said fine, but give me the one month's salary in lieu of notice. I counted out the money & put it on the table and asked her to sign the letter, which she refused to do. So I explained that I could not give her the money until she signed. She promptly changed her mind and signed the letter.


Regarding refusing to leave the house -

Try pick a convenient time to handle the termination. E.g. when your kids are at school / asleep and your husband is at home. NOT when the kids are home & watching and your hubby is out & you are 'alone' to deal with her.

Watch her pack. My helper's room is off the kitchen, so I waited just outside the kitchen with my ears open. That way she could not wander round out flat stealing or damaging our stuff.

If she refuses to leave, call the security guards or the police. Keep an eye on her until they arrive. To prevent this situation arising, try to keep the whole termination procedure calm and smooth.


And I strongly agree with Wiz Bang's ideas - witnesses who are non-family.


Good luck!

Thanks for your inputs. I'll ask a friend to come over to witness.

Axptguy, I'm just considering the worst case scenario, but I think it should be fine. I just want to be sure what to do if that happens. I don't want any drama !