LegalZoom Review
LegalZoom is a well-established online legal services provider that offers a broad range of solutions for individuals and businesses.
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom specializes in business formation services, including setting up LLCs, corporations, and non-profits, as well as providing registered agent services. In addition to business services, LegalZoom offers a variety of personal legal services such as wills, trademarks, and legal document review. Their platform is user-friendly, designed to guide users through legal processes with ease. LegalZoom also provides access to a network of attorneys for more complex legal needs. While their pricing is higher compared to some competitors, they are known for their extensive resources and comprehensive customer support.
4.8
Pricing
LLC Formation – Basic ₹0
LLC Formation – Pro ₹20670
LLC Formation – Premium ₹24821
Key Features
Free plan ✓
Expedited option ✓
Registered Agent service ✓
EIN application ✓
Operating Agreement draft ✓
Ranked 3 from 17 LLC services
Performance: |4.9| 
LegalZoom is renowned for its reliable performance and extensive range of legal services. The platform is well-regarded for its ease of use, providing clear guidance through various legal processes. It offers robust support for business formation, intellectual property, and personal legal matters, backed by a vast repository of resources and access to professional legal advice. Although it tends to be pricier than some competitors, LegalZoom’s comprehensive service offerings and solid customer support contribute to its reputation as a leading choice for individuals and businesses seeking legal assistance.
Uptime: |4.9|
LegalZoom maintains a strong uptime performance, ensuring that its website and online services are reliably accessible to users. The platform is designed with robust infrastructure to handle high traffic and minimize disruptions, providing a consistent and dependable experience. This high uptime is crucial for users who depend on LegalZoom for time-sensitive legal services and document processing, reinforcing its reputation for reliability in the online legal services industry.
Customer Service: |4.8|
LegalZoom is known for its comprehensive customer service, offering support through various channels including phone, email, and live chat. Their customer service team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, assisting with inquiries about their services, technical issues, and legal questions. Additionally, LegalZoom provides access to a network of attorneys for more complex legal concerns, enhancing their support capabilities. While some users have reported longer wait times during peak periods, the overall service is designed to be supportive and informative, aiming to address customer needs effectively.
Pricing: |4.7|
LegalZoom’s pricing is positioned at the higher end of the market, reflecting the breadth and depth of their services. Business formation packages start around $79, with additional state fees applying. Their registered agent service is priced at approximately $299 per year. For personal legal services such as wills and trademarks, costs can vary, with standard packages generally starting in the low hundreds of dollars. While LegalZoom’s fees may be higher compared to some competitors, they include access to a wide range of services, professional support, and comprehensive resources, providing value through their extensive offerings and user-friendly platform.
Overview
| Free plan? | ✔ |
| LLC filing time on entry-level plan | 5-14 business days |
| Expedited option? | ✔ |
| One-time fees, annual subscription-based, or both? | One-time formation fee and add-on subscriptions |
| Customer support | Phone, live chat, and contact form |
Ultra-Customizable Packages – But Costs Can Add Up
Filing with LegalZoom offers numerous benefits, including access to a variety of legal and accounting add-ons and subscriptions. These include professional legal advice from an attorney, legal document drafting and reviews, and tax return filing. LegalZoom’s company formation packages are extensive, covering everything from LLCs and DBAs to corporations and non-profits.
One of the biggest advantages of using LegalZoom is the ability to customize each package, though you can also choose a pre-set tier if you prefer simplicity. The sign-up process allows you to adjust your included services and add-ons to match your needs, so you won’t waste money on “free” extras that aren’t useful to you simply because you can’t remove them from the package.
You can even select the completely free LegalZoom LLC formation package and only pay the state fees. However, if you require additional services beyond company formation, such as tax returns, compliance, or Registered Agent services, the costs can increase rapidly.
Whether you sign up online or by phone, you’ll be presented with these add-ons. It’s advisable to apply when you’re clear-minded to avoid committing to costly extras that you might not need later.
Read our full review below to determine if LegalZoom is the right online company formation service for you.
FEATURES |4.8|
LegalZoom provides a broad array of features to assist individuals and businesses with legal matters. Key features include:
Business Formation Services: Assistance with setting up LLCs, corporations, non-profits, and other business entities, including filing paperwork and providing operating agreements.
Registered Agent Services: Annual service for receiving legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business.
Legal Document Creation: Access to customizable legal documents and templates, such as wills, contracts, and power of attorney forms.
Trademark Registration: Services for searching and registering trademarks to protect brand names and logos.
Legal Advice Network: Access to a network of licensed attorneys for legal consultations and advice on various legal issues.
Document Review Services: Professional review of legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
Estate Planning Services: Creation and management of wills, living trusts, and other estate planning documents.
Compliance Support: Tools and resources to help businesses stay compliant with state and federal regulations, including annual report filing reminders.
Educational Resources: A library of articles and guides on legal topics to help users understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
Service Offered:
LegalZoom offers a diverse range of services designed to address various legal needs for both individuals and businesses. Their core services include business formation, where they assist with setting up LLCs, corporations, and non-profits, as well as providing ongoing registered agent services. LegalZoom also provides personal legal services such as creating wills, managing intellectual property through trademark registrations, and drafting essential legal documents. Additionally, they offer access to a network of attorneys for more complex legal issues and legal advice. This broad spectrum of services is designed to simplify legal processes and support users in managing their legal affairs efficiently.
Tools in LegalZoom:
LegalZoom provides several tools to assist users with their legal needs:
Online Document Preparation: Users can create and customize a variety of legal documents, including business formation documents, wills, and trademarks, using step-by-step guidance.
Business Formation Wizard: An interactive tool that guides users through the process of setting up LLCs, corporations, and non-profits by asking relevant questions and generating the necessary documents.
Legal Forms Library: A comprehensive collection of legal forms and templates for various needs, such as contracts, agreements, and business documents.
Compliance Calendar: A feature that helps track important deadlines and compliance requirements for businesses, such as annual report filings and renewal dates.
Document Storage: Secure online storage for storing and accessing important legal documents and records.
Attorney Access: Offers a subscription-based service providing consultations with attorneys for more complex legal questions and advice.
Trademark Search Tool: A tool for conducting preliminary searches to identify potential conflicts with existing trademarks before filing.
These tools are designed to simplify legal processes and provide users with the resources they need to handle their legal matters efficiently.
Why use LegalZoom?
LegalZoom is a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive and user-friendly legal services due to its extensive range of offerings and straightforward process. The platform provides a variety of solutions for both personal and business needs, including business formation, trademark registration, and estate planning. Its user-friendly interface guides users through complex legal processes with ease, offering step-by-step instructions and customizable document templates. This accessibility makes it a valuable resource for individuals and businesses looking to manage their legal affairs efficiently without needing in-depth legal knowledge.
Additionally, LegalZoom’s reputation for reliability and customer support enhances its appeal. The platform not only provides robust online tools but also offers access to a network of attorneys for more specialized legal advice. While its pricing may be higher compared to some competitors, the comprehensive nature of its services, combined with strong customer support and a secure online environment, makes LegalZoom a trusted choice for many who need reliable and professional legal assistance.
LegalZoom Offers a Wealth of Features
If you’re uncertain about whether to register as an LLC, DBA, corporation, or nonprofit, LegalZoom can assist with your decision. By completing a quick 1-minute online questionnaire called “Find out what business is best for you,” you can narrow down your options.
Once you’ve made your decision, you can choose the appropriate formation package. LegalZoom provides multiple tiers for each business type, including a free LLC package that covers only the essentials. Regardless of whether you opt for the basic or a premium package, you’ll receive a variety of extras, such as legal documents and additional guides.
Expedited Processing
When you pay LegalZoom to register your business entity, the standard processing time can range up to two weeks or more, depending on your business type and the state where you file. However, LegalZoom offers expedited processing for an additional fee, reducing the turnaround time to about 1-5 days, depending on your package choice.
Keep in mind that the actual turnaround time also depends on the responsiveness of your chosen state and the IRS. If additional documentation is required or other issues arise, delays may occur. Additionally, expedited shipping is available for select physical items included in LegalZoom packages, such as founder’s kits and company seals.
Name-Check Service
Selecting a name for your business can be more complex than it seems, which is why LegalZoom’s name-check service is a valuable feature. LegalZoom will search the registries to see if your desired business names are available. To streamline the process, you can also provide backup name choices during your application.
EIN Registration & Retrieval
With LegalZoom’s paid LLC formation packages, EIN registration and retrieval are included at no extra cost. However, since these packages are paid, you might want to consider the free LLC formation plan if you don’t need this service. If you do need an EIN, you can still choose the free package and handle EIN registration separately.
Digital Welcome Pack and Founder’s Kit
When forming an LLC or any other type of business with LegalZoom, you’ll receive extensive support. All formation packages, including the free option, come with a digital welcome pack that walks you through the steps necessary to establish a legal business entity.
A founder’s kit is another perk available to those who add it or choose select premium paid packages where it’s already included. This binder organizes all of your essential documents with partitioned sections and provides guidance on how to run your business in compliance with regulations.
Specialist Support from Attorneys and Tax Professionals
All of LegalZoom’s paid business formation packages include some level of professional support from specialists. However, the type of assistance varies by package. For instance, with LegalZoom’s Premium LLC formation package, you can access free attorney consultations for up to 90 days and free 10-day trials of the Total Compliance and Legal Protect Plan.
Conversely, the Premium DBA filing package and Express Gold non-profit creation only include a 14-day free trial of LegalZoom’s legal advising plan.
For a small monthly fee, this plan offers 30-minute attorney consultations, along with access to legal document downloads and reviews, if you choose to continue after the free trial ends. Additionally, LegalZoom provides professional tax advice, assistance with tax returns, and filing services with all its packages, priced at under $50 per month when paid 6 to 12 months in advance.
Popular LLC Services
PROS AND CONS OF LEGALZOOM
Pros of LegalZoom
Wide Range of Services: Offers a comprehensive array of legal services for both individuals and businesses.
User-Friendly Platform: Intuitive interface with step-by-step guidance for creating legal documents.
Access to Attorneys: Provides options for consultations with a network of licensed attorneys.
Reliable Customer Support: Multiple channels for customer service, including phone, email, and live chat.
Document Storage: Secure online storage for easy access to important legal documents.
Cons of SiteGround
Higher Pricing: Costs are generally higher than some competitors, especially for premium services.
Additional Fees: Some services and features, such as attorney consultations, require additional payment or subscription.
Standardization: Legal documents are often standardized, which may not suit complex or unique legal needs.
Limited Customization: Less flexibility in tailoring legal documents compared to hiring a personal attorney.
Longer Wait Times: Customer support wait times can be longer during peak periods.
Optional Registered Agent Service
A Registered Agent serves as your company’s representative, managing and forwarding important legal documents such as lawsuits and tax communications from the state.
Although this service isn’t part of the base company formation package, LegalZoom offers it for an annual fee. The service includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents. If you’re switching from another Registered Agent service, LegalZoom will take care of all the necessary paperwork.
Non-US residents can also benefit from the US address provided with the Registered Agent service to establish their company. LegalZoom assists non-US residents in forming a business, but keep in mind that some states require a physical US business address.
GTMetrix:
EASY OF USE |4.9|
LegalZoom is designed with ease of use in mind, offering an intuitive platform that simplifies complex legal processes. The website guides users step-by-step through tasks like business formation, will creation, and trademark registration, making it accessible even for those without legal expertise. The platform uses clear language and provides helpful prompts, reducing the likelihood of errors. Additionally, LegalZoom offers a well-organized dashboard where users can easily access and manage their documents. This user-friendly design allows individuals and businesses to handle their legal needs quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive legal knowledge.
Easy to Navigate, but Overwhelming with Options and Add-Ons
While having more choices is beneficial, too many options can be overwhelming. LegalZoom offers a wide range of services (including shipping custom company seals), which can make navigating its busy website confusing. However, once you know what you need, signing up and paying is straightforward.
In our experience, the application time for LLC formation with LegalZoom was quick, averaging about 10 minutes. The exact time will vary depending on your business type, selected add-ons, and required information. The ability to review your services at any point, add more during sign-up, or make changes just before checkout further simplifies the process.
Getting Started With LegalZoom
The application process is simple. Just choose the package that best fits your needs from the main menu, and you’ll be directed to the appropriate web form.
LegalZoom’s application process is entirely digital and online, allowing you to complete it on any mobile device during your spare time. While the process is straightforward, one of the more challenging aspects of purchasing a company formation package from LegalZoom is navigating the numerous upsell offers you’ll encounter.
During the webform sign-up process, I was repeatedly prompted to add extra paid subscriptions and services. From tax assistance to a Registered Agent, compliance services to expedited processing, and founders kits, I had to navigate through all of them. This was while I was testing the application process for the free LLC formation service.
After purchasing your package, you’ll need to complete a second questionnaire to provide additional details, such as secondary company name choices (in case your preferred name is unavailable) and important information like the names and addresses of your Registered Agent and company partners, if any.
Bank Account Setup and Offers
While many company formation services let you set up a bank account during the process, LegalZoom offers an opportunity to earn money back by opening a business account with select banks like Chase or Bank of America.
Add-On Review Before Finalizing
After navigating through the various upsell offers, you have the opportunity to review all selected services and their pricing before finalizing your LegalZoom order. At this point, you can remove any additional paid services you no longer want or add any that you may have overlooked.
Flexible Payment Options
LegalZoom accepts payments via credit card, including Discover, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. For your company or LLC formation order, you can opt to pay in up to three installments, which can be useful for managing your capital expenditures during this crucial period.
Create a Account with LegalZoom
To create an account in LegalZoom, follow these six steps:
Visit the LegalZoom Website: Go to the LegalZoom homepage.
Select a Service: Choose the legal service you need, such as business formation, will preparation, or trademark registration.
Click on “Get Started”: After selecting your service, click the “Get Started” button to begin the process.
Provide Personal Information: Enter your personal details, including your name, email address, and phone number. Additionally, you must set a password for your account.
Enter Business or Legal Information: Provide any necessary details related to the service you’re using, such as business name, type, and location, if applicable.
Complete Payment: Review your selections and enter your payment information to complete the registration. After payment, your account will be created, and you can access the LegalZoom dashboard.
COMPLIANCE AND SECURITY |4.7|
Here’s an overview of LegalZoom’s compliance and security features:
Compliance:
Compliance Calendar: Tracks important deadlines, such as annual report filings, to help businesses stay compliant with state requirements.
Automatic Filing Services: Offers services like annual report filing and business license applications to ensure timely compliance.
Document Review: Provides attorney review services to ensure legal documents meet regulatory standards.
Registered Agent Services: Includes registered agent services to help businesses receive and manage legal documents, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Security:
Data Encryption: Uses industry-standard encryption to protect sensitive data during transmission and storage.
Secure Document Storage: Offers secure online storage for legal documents, with access controls to protect against unauthorized access.
Two-Factor Authentication: Provides two-factor authentication options to enhance account security.
Regular Security Audits: Conducts regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
Privacy Policy: Adheres to a strict privacy policy to protect user information, ensuring it is not shared or sold without consent.
SUPPORT |4.7|
LegalZoom offers comprehensive customer support through multiple channels to assist users with their legal needs. Customers can reach out via phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that help is accessible whenever needed. The support team is generally knowledgeable and can assist with inquiries related to services, technical issues, and general legal questions. For more complex legal matters, LegalZoom also provides access to a network of licensed attorneys who can offer personalized advice. While customer support is available seven days a week, some users have reported longer wait times during peak periods. Overall, LegalZoom’s customer support is designed to be responsive and helpful, guiding users through their legal processes with ease.
Review:
PRICING |4.7|
Here’s a summary of LegalZoom's pricing packages in table form:
Notes:
Prices for business formation include preparation and filing of necessary documents but not state fees.
Trademark registration costs vary based on the complexity and number of classes.
The Premium Package often includes additional features such as expedited processing or additional legal consultations.
Great Value with Numerous Optional Paid Features
Like most of its competitors, LegalZoom charges a one-time fee to help you create your LLC. However, LegalZoom goes further by offering multiple levels of LLC formation plans. These plans allow you to save on additional paid features, many of which usually require a monthly or annual subscription, particularly for services like tax return filing and legal advice.
LegalZoom’s free LLC formation package, the Basic LLC Formation Plan, is a great value, allowing you to form a company at no cost aside from the required state filing fees. LegalZoom’s other paid LLC formation packages and services are comparable to those of competitors and include features like EIN registration and retrieval, an operating agreement, a business license guide, and a free tax-saving consultation.
The flexibility of LegalZoom’s free and paid plans enhances their value. You can customize your plan with extra subscriptions, such as operational documents, tax advisory, compliance services, and expedited processing. However, these are all optional, so you can focus on exactly what you need.
That being said, opting for every additional compliance, tax, accounting, and legal service could become quite expensive. It’s tempting, so I recommend carefully considering what you truly need before finalizing your order.
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-BASIC
₹0
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-PRO
₹20670
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
EIN Application
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-PREMIUM
₹24821
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
EIN Application
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-BASIC
₹0
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-PRO
₹20670
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
EIN Application
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom
LLC FORMATION-PREMIUM
₹24821
/One-Time Free
Filing Speed: 5-14 business days
EIN Application
Creative or Digital Services: Wix website
App or Online Dashboard: Both
LegalZoom Alternative
Frequently Asked Question.
LegalZoom offers a wide range of services, including business formation, registered agent services, will creation, trademark registration, and legal document review.
The cost to form an LLC with LegalZoom starts at $79, plus state filing fees.
Yes, LegalZoom offers attorney consultations as part of certain packages or through a subscription-based legal plan.
Yes, LegalZoom offers a satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to request a refund within 60 days of purchase if you’re not satisfied.
The time it takes to form a business with LegalZoom varies by state and service package, but it typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks.
Yes, LegalZoom’s website is secure, using industry-standard encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
Yes, most legal documents created with LegalZoom can be edited after purchase, though additional fees may apply for certain changes.
Yes, LegalZoom offers ongoing compliance support, including reminders for annual reports and other filing requirements.
You can contact LegalZoom’s customer support via phone, email, or live chat, available seven days a week.
LegalZoom does not offer a free trial for its services, but it does provide a satisfaction guarantee and a refund policy within 60 days of purchase.