CDC Ethical Practices and Client Boundaries 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client asks their divorce coach whether they should accept their spouse's proposed child support figure. What is the most ethical response?
- Tell the client the figure is fair based on the coach's experience
- Help the client clarify questions and priorities to bring to their attorney (Correct answer)
- Calculate support using the state guideline worksheet for the client
- Advise the client to reject any first offer as a negotiating tactic
Correct answer: Help the client clarify questions and priorities to bring to their attorney
Evaluating a legal offer is legal advice, so the coach helps the client prepare questions for their attorney instead.
Question 2: A coaching client discloses a specific plan to seriously harm their ex-spouse this weekend. What should the coach do?
- Keep it confidential because coaching conversations are private
- Wait until the next session to see if the client calms down
- Follow the confidentiality exceptions in the coaching agreement and take steps to prevent imminent harm (Correct answer)
- Terminate the coaching relationship without further action
Correct answer: Follow the confidentiality exceptions in the coaching agreement and take steps to prevent imminent harm
Imminent risk of serious harm is a standard limit on confidentiality that should be disclosed in the agreement and acted upon.
Question 3: Both spouses ask the same coach to individually coach each of them through their divorce. What is the primary ethical concern?
- Conflict of interest and divided loyalty (Correct answer)
- The coach will earn too much in fees
- Coaches are not allowed to work with men and women equally
- Scheduling difficulties between two clients
Correct answer: Conflict of interest and divided loyalty
Coaching both opposing parties individually creates a conflict of interest and risks confidentiality breaches.
Question 4: Which item belongs in a written divorce coaching agreement?
- A guarantee of a favorable settlement outcome
- The coach's opinion of the other spouse
- A promise to testify on the client's behalf in court
- A statement that coaching is not therapy or legal advice (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A statement that coaching is not therapy or legal advice
Clarifying that coaching is distinct from therapy and legal services sets proper expectations and boundaries.
Question 5: A client shows signs of clinical depression, including inability to function and hopelessness. What should the coach do?
- Continue coaching and avoid mentioning the symptoms
- Diagnose the condition and adjust the coaching plan accordingly
- Refer the client to a licensed mental health professional (Correct answer)
- Recommend specific antidepressant medication
Correct answer: Refer the client to a licensed mental health professional
Clinical symptoms fall outside coaching scope and require referral to a licensed mental health provider.
Question 6: A coach's close friend is going through a divorce and wants to hire the coach. What is the best ethical choice?
- Coach the friend at a discounted rate
- Refer the friend to another qualified divorce coach (Correct answer)
- Coach the friend but avoid discussing personal matters
- Coach the friend only on weekends
Correct answer: Refer the friend to another qualified divorce coach
A pre-existing personal relationship creates a dual relationship that can compromise objectivity, so referral is best.
Question 7: A coach advertises 'I will help you win custody.' Why is this ethically problematic?
- It is too short to be effective marketing
- It doesn't mention pricing
- Coaches should never advertise their services
- It implies outcomes and legal representation the coach cannot provide (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It implies outcomes and legal representation the coach cannot provide
Marketing must be truthful and not suggest guaranteed results or legal services outside coaching scope.
