Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Lumière website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "Candidate," "you," or "your") and Lumière ("we," "us," or "our").

2. Description of Services

Lumière is a private nanny placement agency providing the following services:

• For Families: Sourcing, vetting, and matching professional nannies with families; facilitating interviews; providing contract templates; offering ongoing placement support.
• For Nannies: Representation for placement opportunities; application review; interview coordination; placement support.

We do not guarantee employment or placement. Our role is to facilitate introductions and provide professional matching services.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to use our services. By using our services, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement.

4. Service Agreement and Fees

4.1 For Families

Upon engagement of our services, families will enter into a separate Service Agreement detailing:

• Scope of services provided
• Fees and payment terms
• Placement process and timeline
• Guarantee period (if applicable)
• Cancellation and refund policies

All fees, terms, and conditions will be clearly communicated and agreed upon in writing before placement services begin.

4.2 For Nannies

Nannies accepted into our network will enter into a Representation Agreement outlining:

• Our role as your representative
• Your obligations (background checks, interview availability, professional conduct)
• Confidentiality requirements
• Non-circumvention (you agree not to bypass Lumière to work directly with families we introduce)

There is no fee for nannies to be represented by Lumière. Our fees are paid by the hiring families.

5. Background Checks and Screening

5.1 Nanny Candidates

All nanny candidates must consent to and successfully complete comprehensive background checks, including:

• Criminal background check
• Sex offender registry search
• Driving record (if applicable)
• Employment and reference verification

Background checks are conducted by third-party screening companies in full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable data protection laws. Candidates must provide written consent before any screening is conducted.

5.2 Results and Decisions

Lumière reserves the right to decline representation of any candidate based on background check results, qualifications, or suitability. Candidates have the right to dispute inaccuracies in their background check reports.

6. No Employment Relationship

Lumière is a placement agency only. We do not employ nannies, and nannies are not our employees. The employment relationship exists solely between the family and the nanny. We are not responsible for:

• Terms of employment (salary, benefits, schedule)
• Tax withholding or payroll
• Employment disputes or termination
• Workers' compensation or liability claims

Families are responsible for compliance with all employment laws, including proper contracts, tax withholding, and labor regulations.

7. Guarantee and Replacement Policy

Where applicable and as outlined in the Service Agreement, Lumière may offer a replacement guarantee period (typically 90 days from placement start date). Terms and conditions of any guarantee will be clearly specified in writing.

Guarantees do not constitute a refund of fees but rather a commitment to provide replacement services within the specified period under certain conditions.

8. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Personal information shared during the placement process
• Family details, addresses, and household information
• Nanny personal information and background check results
• Business practices and proprietary information

Confidentiality obligations survive termination of the service relationship.

9. Cancellation and Termination

9.1 By Client (Family)

Cancellation policies will be outlined in the Service Agreement. Standard terms may include:

• Cancellations before candidate presentation: Partial refund possible (as specified in agreement)
• Cancellations after placement: No refund, but replacement guarantee may apply

9.2 By Lumière

We reserve the right to terminate services if:

• Client violates these Terms or the Service Agreement
• Client provides false information
• Client engages in discriminatory practices
• Payment terms are not met

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Lumière provides placement services "as is" without warranties of any kind
• We are not liable for the actions, conduct, or performance of any nanny or family
• We are not responsible for disputes between families and nannies
• Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for our services
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages

This limitation applies except where prohibited by law.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Lumière harmless from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses arising from:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Employment relationships or disputes
• Your violation of any law or third-party rights

12. Intellectual Property

All content on the Lumière website, including text, graphics, logos, and design, is the property of Lumière and protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

13. Website Use

You agree not to:

• Use our website for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Transmit viruses or malicious code
• Scrape, copy, or harvest content or data
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website

14. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or practices of these sites. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk.

15. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be resolved through good faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes shall be subject to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of [applicable arbitration body], or as otherwise specified in the Service Agreement.

16. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [your jurisdiction], without regard to conflict of law principles.

17. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

18. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any Service Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Lumière regarding our services.

20. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Lumière
Email: