LegalZoom helps average Americans across all the 50 states to achieve legal compliance in a quick and highly efficient manner. We’ve compared it to other incorporation services and it’s one of the top ones, earning a 4.4/5.0
LegalZoom works to bridge the gap between the need for legal services and access to an affordable attorney within a short time. Most of their clients get assistance in business formation, estate planning, contracts, and trademarks, but they also offer other self-guided legal services without billing you by the hour.
Those who want to achieve legal compliance while saving time and money will find LegalZoom a powerful and effective assistant, evident from their consistently high ratings across hundreds of reviews.
Overview
When running your own business, having a lawyer on retainer isn’t a luxury that many can afford thanks to low cash liquidity and tight margins. Legal Zoom puts an attorney’s power in your hands without incurring the huge legal fees that it sometimes takes to prepare certain documents.
Their main clientele is growing businesses that have no in-house lawyers or legal departments who want legal advice or a convenient to use online law firm.
Incorporated in 2001, Legal Zoom has worked with more than 4 million consumers and businesses to resolve their legal issues. From basic contract agreements to incorporation fillings and everything in between, the company gives you better protection at an affordable price every day. You can do any of the following at LegalZoom:
- Start a business and file the formation paperwork
- Prepare legal documents using your e-signature
- Register a trademark and apply for copyright protection or a patent
- Change the business name and get tax advice
- Talk to a lawyer to get legal documents (such as divorce papers) reviewed
This Legal Zoom review will take a deep dive into the legal software and reveal everything you crave to know about this online legal service provider. Throughout the review, we’ll examine the pricing, services, user experience and also what other online customers are saying about Legal Zoom. That will help us to know how the company performs in real-life lawyer’s work scenarios.
LegalZoom’s Pricing
LegalZoom offers variable and highly affordable prices depending on the services you need. Regardless, it’s much easier and cheaper than hiring a lawyer, which is the main appeal of using LegalZoom.
They adjust the price of each service according to the scope, complexity, and timeframe so it really depends on your will, incorporation, or divorce situation. The company offers various service packages, and the price is well worth the services. Though there are no free trials, their satisfaction guarantee is LegalZoom’s biggest advantage, offering you a 100% refund on within 60 days of your purchase.
While legal fees can be expensive, LegalZoom believes everyone should have access to services that will help them achieve their goals. Unlike most of their competitors, they have a 100% money-back guarantee which you can leverage at any time with two months of purchase. Of course, the company only refunds fees directly paid to them excluding the state fees.
LegalZoom’s services are available at different price packages depending on the complexity of the type of service you need. Starting with their LLC services, you’ll need to decide between three levels of packages all with different features and timeframes.
These pricing packages include:
- Economy – This package will cost you $79 plus your state’s filing fees for an expected turnaround of about 30 days. With the package, you’ll get a comprehensive name availability search, articles of association preparation, LLC filing, Tax Savings analysis, digital tracker and one-on-one customer support.
- Standard – Available for $329 plus filing fees, this package has all the economy package features and more exciting stuff lined up for your business. The package guarantees a fast turnaround within 15 business days, while also giving you a deluxe organizer, official printed seals and certificates and a business newsletter.
- Express Gold – Offered at $349 excluding filing fees, this is the fastest package at LegalZoom. They deliver your papers within ten business days while allowing you to enjoy all the features in the first two packages and so much more. That includes LegalZoom’s VIP processing, priority filing, express shipping, financial account authorization letter and a lifetime customer support 7days a week.
For estate-planning services such as preparing wills and Trusts, LegalZoom also offers three packages, starting from $69 to $300. Other services such as registering a trademark and others related to intellectual property are available at a one-time fee ranging from about $100 to $600. Moreover, Add-ons incur additional costs. However, to use LegalZoom is straightforward with their charges, and they have all the details you need below each of service on their site. They include:
LegalZoom LLC
While various legal service providers can help you create a limited liability company (LLC) online, LegalZoom is the most reputable brand. With LegalZoom, the process is simple and straightforward, adding you to millions of satisfied customers who’ve used their services for the last two decades.
Similar to a corporation, a limited liability company is a business entity that provides personal liability protection to the owners – also known as members. However, an LLC is more flexible to a corporation in that it’s managed and taxed in a way that the members can be allocated profits and losses. Additionally, an LLC has bank accounts and assets to conduct business as a legal entity separate from its owners.
Given that starting an LLC on your own can be a little tricky and time consuming, we recommend hiring an attorney to help you with the process. Keep in mind that registering an LLC is a state-specific process and requires drafting accurate articles of association according to your state laws. Nevertheless, starting an LLC with LegalZoom is easy.
Here is a quick guide on forming an LLC with LegalZoom:
- Select the state to form the LLC – Forming an LLC is a state-specific process, so you need to decide where to form the business before filing the paperwork. You can choose various states for the LLC formation if you plan your company to operate in multiple states. However, you’ll need to consider the convenience, taxes, recording and reporting requirements in the states you choose.
- Select a company name – Though the legal requirements may vary from one state to another, your LLC cant share a name with another business registered in the same state. Some states also restrict the use of certain words in a business name and must use a business designation (LLC) at the end. You can search if the name of your LLC is available in your state for free using LegalZoom.
- Choose a registered agent – Also known as a statutory agent; this is a person who receives official documents and lawsuits on behalf of the company. You can appoint LegalZoom as your company’s registered agent for just $249 per year added on your package.
- Prepare an Operating Agreement for your LLC – This document describes how the LLC will operate, the procedure of admitting new members and ways of dealing with leaving members. LegalZoom offers you this document for about $99, but it will cost you up to $249 if you want to get local permits and licenses, as well as an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is required for opening a bank account for your LLC, and it’s not mandatory for you to LegalZoom though they make things easier.
- Prepare articles of Association – After laying the groundwork, preparing articles of organization is the next step to establish your LLC. It’s the document that you file with your state to establish your company. However, LegalZoom does this for you with any of their three packages.
- File the articles of organization – To register your LLC, you must submit the articles and pay a filing fee to the state’s filing agency. LegalZoom does this for you within the time specified in your package, ensuring that you get your paperwork within 30 business days.
In some states, you may need to publish a notice stating your intention to form an LLC. The notice is usually published multiple times within a few weeks. Nevertheless, LegalZoom helps you form an LLC quickly and affordable.
How to Use LegalZoom for Business or LLC Formation
We’ll walk you through, step by step on how to register your business. It’s extremely fast and easy – even if you’ve never done it before.
1. Getting on LegalZoom
Click on the link below to get started with registering your business:
https://www.legalzoom.com/business/business-formation/attorney-assist.html
You’ll see the following:
As you can see, they give you options to create the following entities:
- LLC
- Corporation (Inc)
- Nonprofit
Most people will want to create an LLC. If you’re unsure, it’s likely that you’ll want to make an LLC as that is the standard business entity most people will want to form. It is also the easiest to run and maintain, as there are stricter rules with Corporations and VERY strict rules for Nonprofits.
Each of the 3 entities has a DIY option as well as an option to get attorney help. Using a LegalZoom attorney is still cheaper than hiring one yourself, but is unnecessary. Try to Do it Yourself first to save a few hundred dollars.
In this guide, we’ll move forward by selecting LLC (Do it yourself).
2. Selecting LLC Name and State
Next, you’re prompted to input the name you want for your LLC:
Enter a name – here we’ll just put ‘The Legality’.
After clicking GET STARTED you’ll be prompted to enter the state.
As LegalZoom states, many people choose the same state that they live in. Other popular options are Wyoming and Deleware. If you’re unsure, please consult a lawyer as this is not legal advice, and every case is different.
When you enter the state and hit search, Legal Zoom will check to make sure there is not a registered LLC in that state. If it’s taken, you’ll be prompted to enter a different name or state. If you’re good, they’ll ask for an email so you can “secure your order”, which is optional:
Click “Get my LLC” to move forward.
3. Misc. Questions
Don’t worry, we’re about halfway there. Up next they just have a few more prompts:
- When do you want to launch?
- Great – let’s make that dream a reality! (hit Continue)
- Is {Company Name You Selected} your first LLC?
Just answer honestly as your answers don’t change the flow or pricing.
Then we’re finally asked something more important –
What does our company do?
You’ll enter some text, and the website will begin to autofill some options.
Then, LZ will ask if your company will have employees in its first year. For the purpose of this guide, we’re going to select “No”. Then, you’ll be shown some things that you need to successfully create the LLC:
It’ll first direct you to select a registered agent, covered int he next section.
4. LegalZoom Registered Agent
LegalZoom’s Registered Agent Services lets this premier legal service provider accept and store all your legal documents and allow you to view them online. With all your documents online, you’ll never miss a thing.
Like all business owners, you get important legal documents delivered by mail or served in person. However, most states require you to have a registered agent (RA) – a third-party who receives those documents on your behalf.
You CAN be your own registered agent, but there are legal implications and heavy fines if you mess up. For example, you need a physical location and be able to have a representative on site during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Here is why it’s beneficial to LegalZoom as your RA:
- A Registered Agent ensures that you receive filing notifications from the state’s agencies, helping you avoid penalties.
- It gives you the freedom to run your business without interference when receiving items by mail.
- It offers a layer of privacy as the public record shows your RA’s address.
- LegalZoom offers you unlimited storage space to enable you to upload and store all your important legal documents in one place.
Selecting “Continue With Legal Zoom” means you’ll use them, which costs additional money. They are cheaper than most services and we recommend you use them if you want to save money and not be fined.
5. Selecting Your Documents
Next, you’re shown the following options:
There IS an option to not select any of these at the bottom, but we only recommend that if you are experienced in writing operating agreements.
If you’re selling physical goods you’ll want the RIGHT MOST option – ‘Operating Agreement, EIN, and Licenses’. If not, you can simply get an Operating Agreement – it’s easy to get your EIN for free so there is no need to select the middle option.
You’ll then be asked some misc. questions, which are actually upsells by the site. We hit no thanks to all of them since we’re just a website.
6. Choosing Your Package
Don’t worry, we’re almost done. Now it’s time to select the package you want, based on how fast you need your corporation. You’ll see the image below:
If you’re not in a rush, just choose Economy. It’s by far the cheapest. Notice the + $70 in this case – that’s the standard price to file. Each state has its own fees to incorporate and maintain the business so your number may be different. Select the option you want (we went with Economy).
Checkout and Payment
If you just selected economy and you followed all of our selections, you’ll then be prompted to checkout for the cheapest option possible. While this is what we chose during this guide, this is not legal advice for selecting any choice during registration – you must make your own decisions that make sense for your business and location. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a Lawyer.
After paying you’re officially done. Congratulations!
Make sure to get your EIN from the IRS and wait 2-5 weeks to get your papers.
Overall, setting up your business entity can take 15-30 minutes just from using our guide as you’ve seen. Below are more important things to know about the offers LegalZoom has and how it can be used for your business.
LegalZoom Trademark
After working hard to build a solid name for your business, LegalZoom expands the legal protection over your brand with a registered trademark. The company has done this countless times (over 200,000 times) and has crafted a 15-minute questionnaire that makes the application process easy.
A trademark protects your logo, symbols, words, names and slogans that identify and distinguish your brand from others. Registering a federal trademark has several advantages, including exclusive rights for nationwide use of the mark with your products or services. It also gives you the legal ownership on your mark and gives you the right to sue infringing parties.
Having registered more than 200,000 trademarks, LegalZoom has a strong understanding of the process and has crafted a questionnaire that makes it simple. LegalZoom will do a basic search of your trademark and inform you if there are any conflicts to improve the chances of your brand success.
LegalZoom Name Changes
With LegalZoom’s Name Change, you can begin a new life by easily changing your name for whatever your reason may be. They offer lifetime support and 100% satisfaction guarantee for adult and minor’s name change. LegalZoom is your best bet for changing your name and creating a new identity.
LegalZoom efficiently facilitates your name after completing a short questionnaire with easy to follow instructions. An adult name change will cost you about $139, while a name change for your minor will cost around $165. The cost includes several services such as:
- Comprehensive state-specific name change documents
- Peace of Mind review
- Simple filing instructions to properly change your name in your local court
- A checklist to notify financial institutions and government agencies about your new name
- Additional renewal applications and federal forms
Customer Service
For customer support, LegalZoom’s team of support staff is available to help you get the best legal services to fulfill your goals. You can use the form on their website to reach their help desk for any legal questions, but you can also give them a call for a quick response. To call their sales desk, LegalZoom is available through their United States number from Monday to Friday from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm PT. They are also available on weekends from 7 am to 4 pm Pacific time.
To call LegalZoom’s customer care help desk, you’ll need to do it within their normal business hours from Monday to Saturday, since they are closed on Sundays. You can also read through their FAQ section to get answers to the most common questions that people ask these legal service providers. From our experience, LegalZoom has professional customer service, and they have a great response time.
LegalZoom Online Reviews
LegalZoom is a known online legal service provider, with enough reviews to show for it. While we didn’t find any alarming issues with their services, we decided to check other LegalZoom reviews to know what others feel. The results were quite impressive, though some clients raised had some legitimate concerns on different services.
In general, most customers who used LegalZoom were happy with the professional services and quick turnaround time though some raised issues of inconsistent customer service representatives. Some clients also raised issues when canceling their recurring services, though LegalZoom helped out after several calls and emails. That said, LegalZoom still has a huge number of 5-star reviews online, clearly indicating that most of their customers are pleased with their services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegzlZoom Legitimate?
LegalZoom is a legitimate online service that will help you fulfill a variety of needs. It is most known for its ability to help individuals create LLC’s.
LegalZoom has its own fees in addition to mandatory state fees (depends on which state you register in) that everybody has to pay.
What is better than LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is one of the top online legal services, but RocketLawyer and IncFile are considered better by some.
What does LegalZoom do for you?
LegalZoom offers a variety of legal services much cheaper than what a Lawyer would charge. Some of the services they offer includes: Entity Registration (LLC, Inc., NonProfit, Will, Trust, Living Trust, and Trademarks.
You can also consult with a real lawyer for any of these services, as an additional cost.
How much does LegalZoom cost?
LegalZoom costs anywhere from $79 up to about $900 with additional add-ons when you create an LLC. Additional adds on cost more money and include talking to a real lawyer, expedited entity creation, and document preparation.
Are LegalZoom documents valid?
LegalZoom documents are valid if you sign them on time. They might not cover all potential risks for a given entity or state though. If you are worried about legal protection then you’ll want to consult a Lawyer.
How Long Does LegalZoom take?
LegalZoom has 3 options – Economy which takes 30 business days, Standard which takes 15 business days, and Express Gold which takes 10 business days.
Conclusion
Based on our in-depth review, I’d rank LegalZoom legal services at 4.4 stars on a scale of 5. This premier legal service provider is worth considering if you need help accessing any legal document or an attorney’s help – without breaking the bank. To find out more about LegalZoom or their services for more information, check out their homepage or read other online reviews.