Overview
In today’s digital age, individuals and businesses seek convenient and cost-effective legal solutions.
Enter LegalZoom, a prominent online platform that offers a wide array of legal services. But is LegalZoom the right choice for you?
We have dedicated considerable time and effort to researching this company and trying several alternatives.
In this comprehensive LegalZoom review, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this company, exploring its features, services, pricing, and more.
By the end of this review, you’ll clearly understand what LegalZoom has to offer and whether it’s the ideal solution for your legal requirements.
>> Click here to jump to the conclusion <<What Is LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is an online platform that provides a wide range of legal services and resources to individuals and businesses. Founded in 2001, it has become one of the most well-known and widely used online legal service providers.
LegalZoom aims to make legal processes more accessible, affordable, and streamlined for its users by offering a variety of legal documents, tools, and professional services.
At its core, LegalZoom is a user-friendly website that allows individuals and businesses to create, customize, and manage legal documents without the need for extensive legal expertise.
Users can access a broad spectrum of legal services, including but not limited to creating wills, forming LLCs or corporations, trademark registration, and handling various personal and business-related legal matters.
How Does LegalZoom Work?
LegalZoom operates through a straightforward and user-friendly process:
- Select Your Service: Users begin by selecting the specific legal service they require from LegalZoom’s extensive list. These services cover various legal needs, from estate planning to business formation.
- Provide Information: Once you’ve chosen your service, LegalZoom guides you through questions and prompts to gather the necessary information. This information is used to tailor the legal documents to your unique circumstances.
- Document Generation: LegalZoom’s software uses the information to generate legal documents such as contracts, wills, or incorporation papers. These documents are typically based on templates customized to match your requirements.
- Review and Editing: Users can review and edit the generated documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. LegalZoom provides tools to make necessary adjustments.
- Filing and Submission: After finalizing the documents, LegalZoom can assist with the filing and submission of necessary paperwork to relevant government agencies or authorities, depending on the service selected.
- Additional Services: LegalZoom offers the option to access legal professionals for additional assistance, consultations, or review of your documents for an extra fee.
- Document Storage: LegalZoom provides a secure platform for users to store their legal documents, making it easy to access and manage them in the future.
- Ongoing Support: LegalZoom also offers ongoing support and resources to help users with their legal needs, such as document updates or changes in legal requirements.
In essence, LegalZoom simplifies the legal process by guiding users through each step, from document creation to filing and beyond. It combines technology with legal expertise to make legal services more accessible and affordable for a wide range of legal needs.
LegalZoom Features And Services
LegalZoom offers a comprehensive range of features and services designed to cater to various legal needs. Here’s an overview of some of the key features and services provided by LegalZoom:
- Document Preparation: LegalZoom allows users to create and customize legal documents, including wills, living trusts, business contracts, and more. The platform guides users through a series of questions to generate legally valid documents tailored to their specific circumstances.
- Business Formation: Entrepreneurs and small business owners can use LegalZoom to form LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, partnerships, and other business entities. LegalZoom assists with the necessary paperwork and filings required to start a business.
- Trademark and Copyright Registration: LegalZoom offers trademark and copyright registration services, helping individuals and businesses protect their intellectual property rights.
- Estate Planning: Users can create essential estate planning documents such as wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. LegalZoom’s tools simplify the process of outlining one’s wishes for asset distribution and healthcare decisions.
- Real Estate Transactions: LegalZoom provides services related to real estate transactions, including deeds, lease agreements, and property transfer documents.
- Family Law: For matters related to family law, LegalZoom offers services like divorce paperwork preparation, name change petitions, and child custody agreements.
- Personal and Business Legal Forms: LegalZoom offers a vast library of legal forms and templates for various personal and business needs, such as rental agreements, employment contracts, etc.
- Legal Advice and Consultations: Users can access legal advice and consultations from licensed attorneys through LegalZoom’s network of professionals. This service is available for an additional fee.
- Registered Agent Services: LegalZoom can act as a registered agent for businesses, helping with legal and tax-related correspondence on behalf of the company.
Additional Features And Services
In addition to its core offerings, LegalZoom provides several supplementary features and services to enhance the overall user experience and meet specific legal requirements:
- Legal Document Review: Users can request professional legal document review by attorneys affiliated with LegalZoom, ensuring the accuracy and validity of their legal documents.
- Business Compliance Tools: LegalZoom offers tools and services to help businesses stay compliant with state and federal regulations, including annual report filings and compliance reminders.
- Legal Plans: LegalZoom offers subscription-based legal plans that provide ongoing access to legal advice and document review services, making it a cost-effective option for businesses and individuals with recurring legal needs.
- Document Storage: LegalZoom provides secure document storage, allowing users to store and access their legal documents anytime.
- Name Change Services: LegalZoom offers assistance with the necessary paperwork and filings for individuals seeking to change their legal name.
- Online Legal Resources: LegalZoom provides a wealth of legal resources, articles, and guides to help users understand various legal topics and navigate their specific legal issues.
These additional features and services aim to complement LegalZoom’s core offerings, providing users with a more comprehensive and convenient legal solution tailored to their unique requirements.
LegalZoom Customer Support
LegalZoom provides customer support options to assist users with their inquiries and concerns. You can reach their customer care team at (888) 379-0854 during their operating hours, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT on weekends.
Whether you have questions about their services, need assistance with using their platform, or require clarification on billing matters, their customer care representatives are available to help.
Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring LegalZoom’s services or have sales-related inquiries, you can contact their sales team at (855) 787-1922 during the same operating hours.
For general inquiries or if you prefer to ask a question online, LegalZoom offers an option to submit your query, and their agents will strive to respond promptly. This commitment to customer support enhances the overall user experience and ensures that users can access assistance when needed.
LegalZoom LLC Services
LegalZoom offers a swift and streamlined process to initiate your Limited Liability Company (LLC) with remarkable efficiency.
In just three simple steps, you can form an LLC with LegalZoom with the confidence of partnering with the industry leader in online business formation.
- Select Your Service: Choose the specific legal service you need, in this case, LLC formation, and the state to form it in.
- Complete Online Forms: Follow the step-by-step guidance provided by LegalZoom to fill out the necessary forms and provide essential information for your legal needs.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review your information, make any necessary edits, and then submit your documents through LegalZoom’s secure online platform to initiate your LLC journey.
This speed and accessibility benefit entrepreneurs and small business owners who value time as a precious resource.
Setting up an LLC involves navigating various legal and administrative complexities. LegalZoom’s comprehensive tools provide invaluable step-by-step guidance throughout the formation process.
These tools simplify the procedure and ensure that you establish your LLC correctly, adhering to all legal requirements. This accuracy is essential to protect your business and personal assets, minimize liability, and ensure compliance with state regulations.
LegalZoom understands that every business is unique, and the path to success may vary. That’s why they offer access to a network of experienced professionals who can provide crucial guidance during your LLC’s launch and beyond.
Whether you require legal advice, accounting expertise, or strategic insights, these professionals are there to support you in making informed decisions that contribute to the growth and sustainability of your business. LegalZoom’s commitment to helping you grow reflects their dedication to your long-term success.
LegalZoom Pricing: LLC Services
LegalZoom offers a range of pricing options to suit your specific needs when forming an LLC. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing tiers:
- Basic – $0 + state filing fees: If you’re comfortable handling most of the LLC formation process yourself, the Basic package is a cost-effective choice. It includes essential services such as preparing the Articles of Organization (required for state registration), a name check service to ensure your chosen business name is available, a digital welcome packet with post-registration steps, and a customizable website powered by Wix for your online presence.
- Pro – $249 + state filing fees: For those who need a bit more support to operate their LLC compliantly, the Pro package builds upon the Basic package. It includes everything in the Basic package and adds valuable services like an operating agreement to establish entity guidelines and resolve disputes, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes and banking, a comprehensive guide to business licenses tailored to your location and industry, as well as initial phone consultations with specialists regarding business insurance and taxes.
- Premium – $299 + state filing fees: If you seek guidance from experienced attorneys and want assurance that your LLC formation is done right, the Premium package is the choice for you. In addition to all the services in the Pro package, it offers hands-on guidance from an experienced business attorney of your choice based on criteria such as state, years of experience, and ratings. You’ll also benefit from unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations on new legal topics related to your business during the first 30 days of your subscription, ensuring that you have expert advice at your fingertips. Plus, any changes to your LLC formation documents within the initial 30 days are included.
- Registered Agent Services: priced at S249 per year.
LegalZoom’s tiered pricing structure allows you to select the level of support that best matches your needs and preferences when forming your LLC, whether you prefer a DIY approach or the guidance of experienced professionals.
LegalZoom Reviews
As with any service, users’ experiences can vary widely, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of their interactions with the platform. These firsthand accounts shed light on the real-world utility and limitations of LegalZoom’s services, helping potential users make informed decisions based on the collective experiences of others.
LegalZoom BBB Reviews And Accreditation
- BBB Rating & Accreditation: LegalZoom is an accredited business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They have held this accreditation since November 1, 2001, and have been in business for 24 years. It’s important to note that customer reviews are not factored into the BBB rating calculation.
- Customer Reviews: LegalZoom has an impressive customer rating of 4.64/5 stars based on an average of 6,622 customer reviews. You can read these reviews on the BBB’s website or even start your review.
- Customer Complaints: Over the past three years, LegalZoom has closed 1,136 complaints, with 365 of those closed in the last 12 months.
This business profile provides essential contact information, an overview of LegalZoom’s customer reviews and complaints, and their accreditation and rating from the Better Business Bureau. It offers valuable insights for those considering LegalZoom’s services.
LegalZoom Reviews On Reddit
LegalZoom Reddit reviews have brought attention to several recurring issues, including hidden fees, instances of overcharging, and difficulties encountered when attempting to cancel services.
Users have expressed frustration with unexpected costs that were not clearly communicated upfront, leading to concerns about transparency and billing practices.
Additionally, some Redditors have reported challenges in canceling their services, highlighting the need for improved clarity and ease of account management within LegalZoom’s platform. These concerns reflect the importance of clear communication and user-friendly processes in any online service.
LegalZoom Google Reviews
Here’s an overview and summary of the LegalZoom Google reviews:
- Review 1 (3 weeks ago): The reviewer advises against using LegalZoom, citing unethical practices, particularly with their trademark attorney and customer service. They express regret for not reading reviews before choosing LegalZoom.
- LegalZoom responds, mentioning that their Attorney-Led Trademark Team has reached out to provide additional support.
- Review 2 (4 days ago): The reviewer strongly discourages using LegalZoom, claiming that the company messed up their order, overcharged them, and required extensive phone calls to resolve the issue.
- LegalZoom’s response acknowledges the customer’s concerns and states that their Customer Care Team has assisted with the Corporation-related issues.
- LegalZoom LLC Service Review 3 (4 months ago): The reviewer expresses frustration with LegalZoom, stating that the process of submitting to the state took much longer than expected, significantly longer than if they had processed it themselves.
- LegalZoom’s response apologizes for any inconvenience and offers support through their contact information.
- Review 4 (a month ago): The reviewer had a negative experience with LegalZoom while filing for a trademark, citing delays and errors. They ultimately recommended staying away from LegalZoom and opted for a specialty law firm, which they found to be a simpler solution.
In summary, these Google reviews for LegalZoom primarily highlight issues related to delays, errors, and frustrations with the service, particularly in the context of trademark filings.
Customers expressed dissatisfaction with their experiences and, in some cases, recommended seeking legal assistance elsewhere. LegalZoom’s responses indicate a willingness to address and resolve customer concerns.
LegalZoom Pros And Cons
Before deciding whether to use LegalZoom for your legal needs, it’s essential to consider the platform’s advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Cons
LegalZoom Alternatives
When it comes to online legal services, it’s essential to consider alternatives, and each of these options presents a compelling case as a better choice for various legal needs.
Northwest Registered Agent stands out with its focus on personalized support and exceptional compliance services. Bizee offers a user-friendly platform tailored to startups and entrepreneurs,
Bizee and ZenBusiness combine affordability with convenience.
By exploring these alternatives, individuals and businesses can find a better fit for their specific legal requirements, ensuring they receive the support and expertise necessary to navigate the complex legal landscape effectively.
LegalZoom FAQs
Yes, LegalZoom is a legitimate and reputable online platform that provides a wide range of legal services and resources. It has been in operation since 2001 and has assisted millions of individuals and businesses with their legal needs. LegalZoom offers services such as document preparation, business formation, trademark registration, and more. While it is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney in complex legal matters, LegalZoom is a trusted and accessible resource for many routine legal tasks. It is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating and has a substantial customer base, indicating its legitimacy in the online legal services industry.
According to LegalZoom’s policy, refunds for purchases are generally not available for customers who have used their services to create legal documents, except when required by applicable law. Unless LegalZoom is found to be at fault, customers are unable to request cash refunds or receive store credit for their orders once 60 days have passed from the purchase date.
According to Wikipedia, the LegalZoom controversy stemmed from apprehensions that the services offered by LegalZoom were akin to providing legal advice. In response to these concerns, the North Carolina State Bar issued a cease and desist order in 2008. Following a thorough investigation conducted by a special referee, the court concluded that LegalZoom’s operations were not considered engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.
One reason to exercise caution when considering LegalZoom is that there may be better choices for complex legal matters. While LegalZoom offers a range of online legal services and resources, it’s important to remember that these services are designed for general use and may not fully address your unique legal situation’s specific and nuanced requirements. Complex cases often benefit from the expertise and tailored advice of a qualified attorney who can provide personalized guidance and representation. Therefore, seeking professional legal counsel may be a more prudent course of action for intricate or high-stakes legal matters than relying solely on LegalZoom’s services.
Conclusion: Is LegalZoom The Right Choice For You?
While LegalZoom provides a range of legal services, it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re searching for comprehensive and highly personalized registered agent services, consider Northwest Registered Agent.
- Cost
- Turnaround Time
- Customer Support
- Ease of Use
- Customer Satisfaction
Northwest Registered Agent offers a robust suite of services that go beyond the basics, including top-notch registered agent support and compliance expertise.
Their commitment to exceptional customer service ensures you receive the individualized attention and guidance your business needs.
When it comes to safeguarding your company’s compliance and success, Northwest Registered Agent stands out as a top choice for LLC formation and registered agent services (competitively priced at $125 annually, and if you decide to also form your LLC with them, it is FREE the 1st year).
Northwest Registered Agent is a solid recommendation to consider if you’re looking for a registered agent partner that prioritizes your unique needs.
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