Hiring a Divorce Coach: What Your Service Agreement Should Include

Divorce can feel like a full-time job—paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, co-parenting logistics, and an emotional load that rarely respects business hours. That’s why many people decide to hire a divorce coach: someone who can help you organize decisions, build communication strategies, and stay grounded through the process.

But before you start working together, you’ll want to put the relationship in writing. A well-drafted divorce coach service agreement isn’t just “formalities”—it’s a practical tool that protects you as the client, reduces misunderstandings, and sets realistic expectations about what the coach will (and will not) do.

This guide explains the essential terms your divorce coaching agreement should include, from scope of services and confidentiality to fees, boundaries, termination rights, and risk management. It’s written from the client/buyer perspective, so you can confidently evaluate any hire divorce coach contract, divorce consultant contract, or coaching paperwork you’re asked to sign.

Important note: Divorce coaches are not attorneys or therapists (unless they separately hold those licenses and you’re engaging them in that capacity). This post is educational and not legal advice.

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What is a divorce coach (and what they are not)?

A divorce coach typically helps clients with:

• Practical planning (timelines, checklists, questions to ask your attorney)
• Communication strategies (emails to your spouse, meeting preparation)
• Emotional self-management tools (coping strategies, decision fatigue reduction)
• Goal setting and problem-solving (housing transitions, co-parenting routines)
• Support during negotiations (prep before mediation; debrief after)

A divorce coach generally does not:

• Provide legal advice or represent you in court
• Draft legal pleadings or negotiate legal terms as your representative
• Provide psychotherapy, diagnose mental health conditions, or treat trauma
• Replace your attorney, mediator, or licensed therapist

Your divorce coaching agreement should clearly reflect those boundaries.

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Why your divorce coach service agreement matters

When you’re in a stressful life transition, even small misunderstandings can escalate. A written divorce consultant contract helps by:

• Defining deliverables (what you’re paying for)
• Preventing “scope creep” (unexpected tasks or extra charges)
• Clarifying confidentiality (and its limits)
• Establishing how emergencies, scheduling, cancellations, and after-hours requests work
• Protecting your privacy and data
• Confirming refund and termination rules

In short: the contract is your roadmap.

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1) Parties, dates, and basic engagement details

Every hire divorce coach contract should identify:

• Legal names of client and coach/business entity
• Effective date and term (e.g., month-to-month, 12-week package)
• Contact information and preferred communication channels
• Whether services are virtual, in-person, or hybrid

Client tip: If the coach operates through an LLC or company name, confirm who you’re actually contracting with (the individual coach, the company, or both).

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2) Scope of services: what’s included (and what isn’t)

The most important section is the scope of services. It should be specific enough that you can read it and understand what you’ll receive.

Common “included” coaching services

Look for language covering items like:

• Initial intake session and goal-setting plan
• Weekly or biweekly coaching calls (length and number)
• Email or messaging support (with limits)
• Preparation for mediation, settlement meetings, or attorney calls
• Co-parenting communication coaching (tone, templates, boundary setting)
• Organization support (document checklists, question lists)

Exclusions and non-legal disclaimer

Your divorce coach service agreement should also clearly state:

• The coach is not providing legal advice
• The coach is not acting as your attorney
• The coach is not providing mental health therapy, unless explicitly licensed and contracted for that

Client tip: If you see vague promises like “we will ensure the best outcome,” ask for revisions. Coaching is support and strategy—not a guaranteed result.

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3) Deliverables, session structure, and response times

Clarity on logistics reduces friction.

Your divorce coaching agreement should specify:

• Session frequency and duration (e.g., 60 minutes weekly)
• Whether sessions roll over if unused (many do not)
• Whether the coach provides written summaries, action plans, or templates
• Turnaround time for reviewing drafts of emails or communication scripts (e.g., 2 business days)
• Availability windows and “no-response” times (weekends/holidays)

Messaging support boundaries

If text/WhatsApp/email support is included, the agreement should define:

• Maximum response time (e.g., within 24–48 business hours)
• Whether messages count toward billable time
• What counts as “urgent” vs. normal

Client tip: If you anticipate high-conflict communication with a spouse, make sure the agreement includes clear limits—otherwise you may feel abandoned or the coach may feel overloaded.

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4) Fees, billing, and payment terms (and how add-ons work)

Money clarity is peace of mind. A strong divorce consultant contract should state:

Pricing model

Common structures include:

• Hourly rate
• Package pricing (e.g., 8 sessions)
• Retainer model (monthly fee for access + sessions)

Payment terms

Look for details on:

• Due date (upfront vs. net 7/14)
• Accepted payment methods
• Late fees (and when they apply)
• Autopay authorization (if required)

Add-on services

If the coach offers extras, the agreement should address:

• Court accompaniment (if offered) and pricing
• Additional session rates
• Document organization projects
• Emergency or same-day requests (often premium rates)

Client tip: Require pricing transparency. A contract that says “additional services may be billed at coach’s discretion” without rates is a red flag.

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5) Cancellation, rescheduling, and no-show policies

Divorce schedules can be unpredictable. Your agreement should state:

• How much notice is required to reschedule (commonly 24–48 hours)
• No-show fees (full charge vs. partial)
• What happens if the coach cancels (refund, reschedule priority)
• Whether “court emergencies” are treated differently

Client tip: Ask for one “life happens” free reschedule per month or per package if you expect frequent last-minute changes.

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6) Confidentiality and its limits

People often assume coaching is automatically confidential. It may be, but the contract should say how.

A solid divorce coach service agreement should include:

• A confidentiality promise covering your personal information and discussions
• Clear exceptions, such as:
  • Threats of harm to self/others
  • Suspected child abuse/neglect reporting obligations (varies by jurisdiction and professional role)
  • Court orders or subpoenas (and how the coach will respond)
  • Payment disputes (minimal disclosure to collect debts)

Coaching records and notes

The agreement should also explain:

• Whether the coach keeps session notes
• How long records are retained
• Whether you can request copies
• Whether notes could be discoverable in litigation (this is a key question to discuss with your lawyer)

Client tip: If you’re in contentious litigation, consider limiting sensitive details shared over email or text, and ask how the coach stores data.

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7) Data privacy, technology tools, and security

Many coaches use video platforms, scheduling apps, payment processors, or client portals. Your divorce coaching agreement should address:

• What tools are used (Zoom, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Whether calls may be recorded (ideally “no” unless you consent in writing)
• Security measures (password protection, encryption where applicable)
• Your responsibilities (e.g., don’t use a shared family email account)

Client tip: If your spouse has access to shared devices or accounts, set up a private email and update passwords before coaching begins.

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8) Communication boundaries and professionalism standards

Divorce can trigger late-night spirals and reactive messaging. A good contract sets healthy limits that protect you and the coach.

Look for:

• Expected conduct (no harassment, abusive language)
• Boundaries around contacting the coach outside business hours
• Crisis resources disclaimer (the coach is not a 24/7 emergency service)
• Guidance on when to contact a lawyer, therapist, or emergency services instead

Client tip: This is not “cold”—it’s a sign the coach runs a professional practice and is protecting the quality of service.

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9) Coordination with your attorney, mediator, or therapist

Many clients want their coach to collaborate with other professionals. Your agreement should cover:

• Whether the coach will communicate with your attorney/mediator
• What requires written consent (a signed release)
• Whether time spent coordinating is billable
• The coach’s role in meetings (observer, prep-only, or active participant)

Client tip: Be careful about putting your coach in the role of “go-between” with your spouse. If coordination crosses into negotiation or legal advice, it can create risk.

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10) Results disclaimers and “no guarantees”

Because divorce outcomes depend on law, negotiation, finances, and your spouse’s choices, your contract should include:

• A statement that coaching is not a guarantee of any legal or financial outcome
• Acknowledgment that you remain responsible for your decisions
• Clarification that coaching is educational/supportive

This protects both sides and keeps expectations realistic.

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11) Intellectual property: templates, worksheets, and materials

Many coaches provide worksheets, scripts, and process documents. The contract should clarify:

• Whether you get a license to use materials for personal use
• Whether you can share them with others (usually not)
• Whether the coach can reuse generalized insights (without identifying you)

Client tip: If you want permission to share a co-parenting communication template with your attorney or mediator, ensure the license permits it.

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12) Termination rights, refunds, and what happens when you stop

Divorce timelines change. You might reconcile, change strategy, or simply outgrow coaching support. Your hire divorce coach contract should specify:

• How either party can terminate (notice period, written notice method)
• Whether unused sessions are refundable (and under what conditions)
• Whether packages expire (and the expiration date)
• Any minimum commitment (e.g., first month nonrefundable)

Termination for cause

The agreement may allow immediate termination for:

• Nonpayment
• Harassment or unsafe behavior
• Conflict of interest (e.g., coach later learns they coached your spouse)
• Ethical concerns

Client tip: Make sure the contract gives you a reasonable exit route—especially if the coach isn’t a fit.

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13) Conflict of interest and non-solicitation boundaries

Your coach should not work with both spouses in the same divorce unless there’s an explicit, informed, written arrangement and the coach is truly acting as a neutral (which is rare for coaching).

Look for clauses addressing:

• The coach will not coach your spouse simultaneously
• What happens if your spouse contacts the coach
• Referral relationships (whether the coach is paid to refer you to attorneys/financial professionals)

Client tip: If the coach refers you to other providers, ask if there’s any referral fee or partnership. Transparency matters.

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14) Liability limitations and dispute resolution

Most coaching contracts include:

• Limitation of liability (caps damages, excludes indirect damages)
• Indemnity clauses (be careful—these can be one-sided)
• Governing law and venue
• Dispute resolution steps (informal meeting, mediation, arbitration, court)

Client tip: Watch for overly broad indemnity language that makes you responsible for the coach’s own negligence. If you don’t understand the risk allocation, ask for clarification or legal review.

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15) Practical “extras” that make agreements client-friendly

These aren’t always included, but they help:

• Emergency plan: What to do if you’re in crisis (hotlines, therapist referral)
• Accessibility accommodations: If you need ADA-style accommodations for sessions
• Coaching success metrics: What progress looks like (communication improvements, planning milestones)
• Plain-language summary: A short overview of key terms (fees, cancellation, confidentiality, termination)

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Red flags to watch for when reviewing a divorce coaching agreement

Be cautious if you see:

• Guarantees of legal outcomes or custody results
• Blurry boundaries (coach “will advise on legal strategy”)
• Pricing that’s unclear or changeable “at any time” without notice
• Unlimited access without defined limits (usually unrealistic)
• Aggressive nonrefundable terms with no termination option
• No confidentiality language at all
• Pressure to sign immediately without time to review

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Checklist: what your divorce coach service agreement should include

Use this as a quick review list:

• [ ] Parties, effective date, term
• [ ] Clear scope of services + exclusions (no legal advice/therapy)
• [ ] Session schedule, deliverables, response times
• [ ] Fees, billing, add-on rates, late fees
• [ ] Cancellation/rescheduling/no-show policy
• [ ] Confidentiality + exceptions + records handling
• [ ] Data privacy and technology tools (recording policy)
• [ ] Professional boundaries and crisis disclaimer
• [ ] Coordination terms with your attorney/mediator + consent to share info
• [ ] No guarantees; client responsibility acknowledgment
• [ ] IP rights for templates/materials
• [ ] Termination, refunds, package expiration
• [ ] Conflicts of interest policy (not coaching both spouses)
• [ ] Liability limits; dispute resolution; governing law

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Final thoughts: protect your peace—and your paperwork

When you hire a divorce coach, you’re investing in stability, clarity, and support during one of the most demanding transitions in life. A thoughtful divorce coaching agreement (or divorce coach service agreement) is part of that support—it creates boundaries, avoids confusion, and makes sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

If you want a faster way to create or review a clear service agreement structure—especially if you’re comparing multiple providers—consider using an AI-powered contract generator like Contractable at https://www.contractable.ai to build a solid starting point you can tailor to your needs and jurisdiction.

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Other questions you may ask to keep learning

1. What’s the difference between a divorce coach, mediator, and divorce attorney?
2. Can a divorce coach talk to my lawyer—or will that create legal risks?
3. Are divorce coaching communications discoverable in court?
4. How do I choose between hourly coaching and a package?
5. What cancellation policy is “normal” for divorce coaches?
6. How can I protect my privacy if my spouse monitors shared accounts or devices?
7. Should my divorce coach service agreement include a non-disparagement clause?
8. What should I do if my coach crosses into legal advice or therapy territory?
9. Can a divorce coach help with co-parenting plans without giving legal advice?
10. When is it worth having an attorney review my divorce consultant contract?