CDC Ethical Practices and Client Boundaries 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Help the client clarify questions and priorities to bring to their attorney

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Follow the confidentiality exceptions in the coaching agreement and take steps to prevent imminent harm

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest and divided loyalty

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A statement that coaching is not therapy or legal advice

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Refer the client to a licensed mental health professional

Answer

Clinical symptoms fall outside coaching scope and require referral to a licensed mental health provider.

CDC - Certified Divorce Coach Practice Test