10 Must-Have Clauses for Your Life Coaching Contract (Template Inside)
Wondering what a life coaching contract really needs to protect you? I’m sharing the essentials you need to set boundaries, prevent disputes, and keep your coaching business legally safe.
As a lawyer for coaches and online entrepreneurs, I’ve seen life coaches run into the same avoidable problems again and again — refund fights, clients pushing boundaries, or even being accused of acting like a therapist.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 must-have clauses every life coaching contract should include (but the average life coaching contract template won’t have) to actually cover all your bases..
We’ll cover payment terms, refund policies, disclaimers, boundaries, and protections for your methods and materials — all the things that every simple coaching agreement template should (but often doesn’t) have to keep your coaching business running smoothly and legally safe.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to put in your own life coaching contract to stop scope creep, prevent disputes, and protect your income.
👉 Already know you want a shortcut? My Life Coaching Contract Template has all of these clauses pre-written — just fill in your details and you’re ready to go!
This post is all about the essentials you need in your life coaching contract — so you can coach with confidence and protect your business.
Best Life Coaching Contract
The 10 Must-Have for the Best Life Coaching Contract Template Free of Fluff
1. Scope of Services
One of the biggest risks life coaches face is scope creep. A client signs up for six sessions… and then starts asking for “quick” extra calls, unlimited WhatsApp support, or advice outside your actual program. Without clear limits, you’re suddenly doing twice the work for the same fee.
Your life coaching contract should set out exactly what’s included — and what’s not.
My coaching contract template covers:
The number, length, and format of your sessions (e.g., six 60-minute Zoom sessions).
How often check-ins happen, and on which platform (e.g., twice-weekly email check-ins).
Any other coaching services you provide (such as worksheets or follow-up notes).
The average, simple coaching agreement template, however, does not include a list of what is not included. Mine goes further with a “Not Included” section — so you can draw a clear line around your time and avoid endless unpaid extras.
💡 Example: You promise clients one 60-minute session a week. Halfway through, one client starts messaging you every day for “quick guidance.” Without a “Not Included” section, it’s hard to push back. With it, you can point to the contract and say, “That falls outside the package,” without damaging the client relationship.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract Template — just fill in the number of sessions, how often check-ins happen, what else is included, and what’s excluded.
2. Scheduling & Cancellations
Nothing disrupts your coaching business faster than last-minute cancellations or constant rescheduling. A client cancels an hour before the session, and you’re left with wasted prep time and an empty slot you can’t fill.
That’s why your life coaching contract needs clear rules around scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations. In my template, this section covers:
How clients can book their sessions (e.g., through your scheduling tool or by email).
How much notice they must give to cancel or reschedule (e.g., 24 or 48 hours).
What happens if they cancel late, don’t show up, or try to reschedule too often.
Most coaching contracts include a no refund policy, but they don’t go further. They often fail to state that late cancellations mean the session is forfeited, with no refund and no right to reschedule. They also don’t set limits on how many times a client can reschedule — creating an endless loop of postponements that eats away at your calendar.
💡 Example: A client books every Tuesday at 10 AM but cancels five minutes before each session. Without a cancellation clause, you might feel pressured to reschedule over and over. With my template, you can enforce a clear rule: late cancellations mean the session is lost — no refund, no reschedule.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract Template — just plug in your numbers for your cancellation window and rescheduling limits.
3. Payment Terms (Upfront & Ongoing Fees)
One of the fastest ways coaches lose income is by letting clients start sessions before payment is secured. A client says, “I’ll pay after our first call,” but then ghosts — leaving you unpaid for the time you’ve already given.
A proper life coaching contract template free of fluff should clearly state that payment must be made upfront before any sessions begin.
In my life coaching contract, this section lets you set:
Whether clients pay the full package price in advance or on a weekly/monthly basis.
The payment methods you accept (credit card, Stripe, bank transfer).
What happens if a payment is late, cancelled, or charged back.
Most coaching contracts stop at “the client agrees to pay X.” Mine goes further by including late fees and suspension rights. That means if a client misses a payment, you can pause all sessions until they’ve caught up — instead of being strung along.
💡 Example: A client books a three-month package and promises to pay as they go. By the second month, their payment is delayed. Without clear terms, you feel pressured to keep coaching. With my life coaching contract template, you can suspend services until the invoice is paid — protecting both your income and your boundaries.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract Template — just select whether you want a full payment upfront or recurring weekly/monthly upfront payments.
4. Refund Policy
Refund fights are one of the biggest headaches for life coaches. A client binge-watches every session, then claims they didn’t get the results they expected and demands a refund. Without a clear refund policy, you’re stuck in a gray area — and possibly out of pocket.
That’s why your life coaching contract needs a clause that sets firm, transparent rules around refunds. In my template, you can choose from multiple options, including:
A strict no-refund policy once the agreement is signed.
Partial refunds if a client cancels with sufficient notice before the first session.
Clear rules that no refunds apply for missed or late-cancelled sessions.
The average life coaching contract PDF you’ll find online only states “no refunds,” but that leaves gaps. Mine goes further by spelling out exactly when refunds do not apply — such as when the client cancels too late or fails to show up. This closes loopholes that refund-demanding clients love to exploit.
💡 Example: A client cancels their coaching package halfway through and insists on a 50% refund. Without clear terms, you might feel pressured to give in. With my template, you can point to the contract: all payments are final once services have begun — no refunds for partial use.
To learn more about how to create the perfect refund policy, read this blog post on the 7 Best Coaching Refund Policy Examples to Protect Your Income (Samples Included).
5. Client Warranties
Not every inquiry is a fit for coaching. Some clients actually need therapy, medical care, or other professional support — and if it turns out they needed medical help, you could end up in big legal trouble.
Your contract should require clients to warrant key facts before coaching starts. In my template, clients confirm they:
Are in good mental and emotional health and capable of engaging in coaching.
Are not undergoing (or advised to undergo) counseling/therapy or medical/nutritional treatment.
Will behave respectfully and not engage in abusive/harassing conduct.
Will be honest and accurate, with rights to any materials they share.
Will update you if anything changes.
The average life coach contract does not even include these protections. Mine makes the client’s suitability their responsibility and gives you grounds to pause or terminate if a warranty is untrue.
💡 Example: Midway through, a client reveals they’ve been advised to seek therapy for severe anxiety. Without warranties, you’re exposed to allegations you coached beyond your remit. With my template, you can safely end the engagement and limit your liability.
✅ Pre-written in my Life Coaching Contract — just select the warranties you need for your niche and services.
6. Professional Disclaimers
One of the biggest legal risks for life coaches is being mistaken for a therapist, doctor, or other licensed professional. Even if you are licensed in another field, you need to be crystal clear that you’re not acting in that capacity during coaching. Otherwise, you could be accused of giving medical, legal, or financial advice you never intended to provide.
That’s why your life coaching contract should include professional disclaimers.
The life coach legal disclaimer in my life coaching contract makes it clear that:
You’re not your client’s psychologist, therapist, doctor, lawyer, or financial advisor.
All information provided is for educational and informational purposes only.
Coaching is not a substitute for professional treatment or advice.
If you hold a professional license, you’re not acting in that role within the coaching relationship.
Most life coaching agreements either skip this entirely or include one vague sentence. Mine goes further with niche-specific disclaimers, so whether you’re a life coach, health coach, or career coach, you can select the exact disclaimer you need.
💡 Example: A client later claims you failed to diagnose a medical condition because you discussed health habits in a session. Without disclaimers, you could be dragged into liability. With my life coaching agreement, you state clearly that you’re not a medical professional in this context — protecting you from claims outside your scope.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract — just select the disclaimers that fit your coaching style and niche.
7. Results & Outcomes Disclaimer
Every coach knows: you can guide, but you can’t guarantee results. Still, some clients will expect dramatic life changes overnight — and if they don’t get them, they may demand refunds or blame you for their lack of progress.
Your life coaching contract should set expectations straight: results are not guaranteed. In my template, this disclaimer makes it clear that:
Coaching provides tools and guidance, but the client is responsible for applying them.
Outcomes depend on the client’s choices, effort, and circumstances.
You can’t be held liable if the client doesn’t achieve the goals they hoped for.
It explicitly limits liability for results — so clients understand from the start that coaching is a process, not a promise.
💡 Example: A client hires you to help them land a new job within 3 months. At the end of the package, they haven’t secured one and demand their money back. Without a results disclaimer, you’re on shaky ground.
To learn more about the life coach legal disclaimer and other niche-specific disclaimers you need, read these blog posts:
8. Protections Against Client Misbehavior
Unfortunately, not every client will treat you with kindness and respect. Some may become aggressive, harassing, or even try to damage your reputation online. Without the right protections in your contract, you’re left vulnerable.
That’s why a proper coaching agreement template free of fluff should (but often doesn’t) include clauses that set clear behavioral expectations.
In my life coaching contract, this section makes clients agree that they will:
Treat you with respect and kindness during all interactions.
Avoid aggressive, abusive, or harassing behavior.
Not disparage you, your services, or your business publicly.
Most coaching contracts only cover payments and scheduling — but skip these protections altogether. Mine goes further by including non-disparagement and prohibited conduct clauses, so you can terminate the contract immediately if a client crosses the line.
💡 Example: A client starts shouting at you during sessions and later posts negative, misleading claims about your coaching on social media. Without protective clauses, you have little recourse. With my life coaching contract, you can terminate the agreement immediately and hold the client accountable for breaching the contract.
✅ Grab my Life Coaching Contract Template!
9. Protections for Your Coaching Methods & Workbooks
Your coaching methods, worksheets, and materials are part of your brand — but without the proper intellectual property protections, clients could copy them, share them online, or even resell them as their own. Once your materials are out in the wild, it’s almost impossible to take them back.
That’s why your life coaching contract needs strong intellectual property (IP) protections.
The IP clause in my coach contract template makes it clear that:
All rights to your workbooks, methods, and resources remain with you.
Clients may use materials only for their own personal development.
Copying, distributing, or reselling your materials is strictly prohibited.
Most coaching contracts simply have an ambiguous IP clause that does not specify exactly what constitutes “intellectual property.” Mine goes further by spelling out exactly how your materials can and can’t be used — so your IP remains yours, even after the client relationship ends.
💡 Example: A client loves your worksheets and starts sharing them with friends — or worse, uploads them to a Facebook group. Without ironclad IP protections, you may have no grounds to stop it. With my life coaching contract template, you make it crystal clear: materials are for personal use only, no redistribution allowed.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract Template — just list the types of materials you provide, and the clause does the rest.
10. Boundaries on Time & Contact
One of the easiest ways for coaching to become overwhelming is when clients start treating you like you’re available 24/7. Without boundaries, you’ll find yourself answering late-night texts, endless DMs, or “just one quick call” requests.
That’s why your life coaching contract should establish clear rules regarding your availability and communication channels.
An ironclad life coaching contract template free of fluff should cover:
Your working days and hours (e.g., Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST).
The platforms you use for coaching communication (e.g., Zoom for sessions, email for check-ins).
Limits on unscheduled contact outside of those channels.
Most coaching contracts don’t have all three boundaries (if any) — which is why so many coaches end up with burned-out schedules. Mine goes further by making boundaries part of the agreement, so you can protect your time and energy while giving clients a clear framework for when and how you’ll be available.
💡 Example: A client starts sending you multiple voice notes on WhatsApp at midnight. Without a contact clause, you feel pressured to respond. With my template, you can point to the contract: communication happens by email only, during your business hours.
✅ Pre-written in the Life Coaching Contract Template — just fill in your working hours and contact methods to protect your time.
FAQs About Contracting in Coaching
1. Do I really need a life coaching contract?
Yes. A life coaching contract protects your income, sets clear boundaries, and reduces your legal risks.
Without a proper coaching agreement template free of fluff, you’re exposed to refund demands, scope creep, and even liability if a client claims you acted like a therapist.
2. Can I use a free coaching contract template?
Free templates are often too generic and lack critical protections — such as niche-specific disclaimers, client warranties, clear cancellation and rescheduling policies, and other essential elements discussed in this blog post.
My Life Coaching Contract Template is lawyer-drafted and designed specifically for coaches.
3. What should a life coaching contract include?
At minimum: scope of services, scheduling rules, payment terms, refund policy, client warranties, disclaimers, boundaries, dispute terms, limitations on liability, indemnities, and protections for your methods.
My template includes all 10 essential clauses, pre-written — plus other basics every coaching agreement should have, such as confidentiality, indemnities, limitations on liability, and dispute resolution.
4. Do I need a lawyer to create a life coaching contract?
Not necessarily. While hiring a lawyer for a custom life coaching contract is ideal, it’s not realistic for every coach. A lawyer-drafted template is a cost-effective way to get the protections you need without starting from scratch.
5. What if I coach clients internationally?
A strong life coaching contract still applies across borders — but you should check which governing law and jurisdiction to select. My coaching contract template includes a clause where you can easily choose your country (or state) so you’re covered.
The ULTIMATE Life Coaching Contract Template
A life coaching contract isn’t just paperwork — it’s your safety net. With the right clauses, you can prevent scope creep, avoid refund disputes, establish healthy boundaries, and safeguard your intellectual property.
My Life Coaching Contract Template already includes all 10 must-have clauses we covered — plus additional protections, such as confidentiality, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution. All you need to do is fill in your details, and you’ll have a watertight contract in minutes.
Why You’ll Love the Life Coaching Contract Template:
Protects your income with clear payment and refund rules.
Sets boundaries on time, contact, and client behavior.
Includes disclaimers to separate coaching from therapy or medical advice.
Safeguards your methods, worksheets, and intellectual property.
Easy to customize — just fill in your details and start using it right away.
👉 Get the Life Coaching Contract Template here and coach with confidence, knowing your business is protected.
Get Full Legal Protection for Your Coaching Business (Beyond Just a Simple Coaching Agreement Template)
Your client agreement is just the beginning. The Coaching Contracts Bundle includes the Life Coaching Contract Template plus other essential agreements for coaches — saving you money and making sure no gaps are left.
Here’s why coaches love the bundle:
Covers 1-on-1 coaching, group coaching, digital products, and more.
Protects your income, time, and reputation from every angle.
Saves you hours of DIY research and writing.
Costs less than buying each template separately.
Gives you peace of mind with lawyer-drafted contracts designed for coaches.
👉 Get the Coaching Contracts Bundle here and protect every part of your business.
This post was all about the 10 must-have clauses for your life coaching contract to protect your coaching business.
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