Why is a contract essential?
Coaching is a relationship of trust, but also a commercial relationship. Without a contract, you are exposed to disputes about the scope of the assignment, unpaid invoices with no legal recourse, and clients claiming ownership of your tools and methods.
The 8 essential clauses
1. Scope and objectives
Describe precisely the nature of the support: individual or team coaching, domain (leadership, personal development, career transition, etc.), general objective. Specify what coaching does NOT cover (no therapy, no legal or financial advice).
2. Duration and session arrangements
Number of planned sessions, duration of each session (generally 1h), format (in-person, video), frequency.
3. Fees and payment terms
Total amount or per-session rate, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, payment deadline and consequences of late payment.
4. Deposit and cancellation conditions
- Cancellation more than 72h before the session: no charge
- Cancellation less than 24h: session invoiced at 50%
- No-show: session invoiced at 100%
5. Confidentiality
The coach undertakes not to disclose any information shared during sessions. Particularly important in business coaching where sensitive subjects are frequent.
6. Intellectual property
Tools, templates and methodologies remain your property. The coachee may use them for personal development, not reproduce or commercialise them.
7. Code of ethics
Mention the ethical code to which you adhere (ICF, EMCC, SFCoach) and your commitments regarding supervision and continuing education.
8. Liability disclaimer
Coaching does not guarantee specific results. The coachee's decisions and actions remain their sole responsibility. The coach is not a therapist and cannot replace medical or psychological support.
The invoice: the complement to the contract
Once the contract is signed, your deposit invoice confirms the financial commitment. Ledgerly allows you to create a deposit invoice linked to the client file, then issue follow-up invoices according to the schedule set out in the contract.