LegalZoom is a well-established online legal services provider that has been helping entrepreneurs form businesses since 2001. As a business owner, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the legal requirements of starting and running your company. That’s where LegalZoom comes in, offering a range of services from LLC formation to trademark registration and ongoing legal support.
Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified complex legal jargon and regulations into clear, actionable guidance to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s dive into our comprehensive review of LegalZoom and see if it’s the right fit for your legal needs.
Benefits and Considerations for LegalZoom
LegalZoom stands out for its breadth of legal services. Unlike some competitors that focus solely on business formation, LegalZoom offers ongoing legal support, including access to attorney consultations. This can be significantly beneficial for new business owners who may need legal guidance as their company grows. Additionally, LegalZoom’s long-standing reputation in the industry provides a sense of trust and reliability.
While LegalZoom offers a comprehensive suite of services, it comes at a higher price point than some of its competitors. We’ve noticed that they tend to upsell additional services throughout the formation process, which can be frustrating for those on a tight budget. Another drawback is the slower processing times for their basic packages, which may not be ideal if you’re in a hurry to get your business up and running.
Pros:
- Extensive legal experience and reputation
- A broad array of services beyond LLC formation
- Attorney consultations available
- User-friendly website and interface
- Comprehensive customer support options
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
- Upselling of additional services
- Slower processing times for basic packages
How Much Do Legal Services Cost for LegalZoom?
LegalZoom offers three main pricing tiers for LLC formation: Economy, Standard, and Express Gold. The Economy package starts at $79 plus state filing fees and includes the basics of LLC formation. The Standard package, priced at $329, adds expedited processing and an operating agreement. The Express Gold package, at $349, offers the fastest processing times and includes a business license guide.
It’s important to note that these prices are for the initial formation only. LegalZoom also offers ongoing services like registered agent service for an additional $299 per year. While these prices are higher than some competitors, you’re paying for LegalZoom’s reputation and the potential for more comprehensive legal support.
Learn more about LLC pricing in our LLC Cost Guide.
Key Features of LegalZoom
Ease of Use
LegalZoom’s website is user-friendly and intuitive. The step-by-step process guides you through LLC formation with clear instructions and explanations. We appreciate how they break down complex legal concepts into digestible information, making it easier for non-lawyers to understand the process.
Customer Support
LegalZoom offers robust customer support options, including phone, email, and live chat. Their extended hours of operation (7 days a week) are a significant advantage, especially for busy entrepreneurs who might need assistance outside of typical business hours. However, some users have mentioned experiencing long wait times during busy periods.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the package you choose and your state’s requirements. The Economy package can take up to 30 business days, while the Express Gold package promises processing within 7-10 business days. While not the fastest in the industry, LegalZoom’s processing times are generally reliable.
Registered Agent Services
LegalZoom offers registered agent services for an additional $299 per year. While this is on the pricier side compared to some competitors, it includes features like compliance calendars and unlimited cloud storage for your business documents. Having your registered agent and formation service with the same provider can simplify your business administration.
Reputation
LegalZoom has built a strong reputation over its two decades in business. They’ve served millions of customers and have generally positive reviews. Their BBB rating and customer feedback on sites like Trustpilot reflect a high level of customer satisfaction. However, some users have complained about upselling tactics and occasional billing issues.
How Fast Is LegalZoom?
LegalZoom’s processing times vary depending on the package you choose. With the basic Economy package, you’re looking at a processing time of about 30 business days. The Standard package cuts this down to about 15 business days, while the Express Gold package promises processing within 7-10 business days. Keep in mind that these times are in addition to your state’s processing times, which can vary significantly. If speed is a top priority for you, you’ll want to consider upgrading to one of the faster packages.
LegalZoom vs. ZenBusiness
When comparing LegalZoom to ZenBusiness, we find that ZenBusiness often comes out ahead in terms of pricing and speed. ZenBusiness offers a free LLC formation package (you just pay state fees), while LegalZoom’s basic package starts at $79. ZenBusiness also typically has faster processing times, even for their basic packages.
However, LegalZoom shines when it comes to the breadth of services offered. If you’re looking for ongoing legal support or services beyond just business formation, LegalZoom might be the better choice. Their attorney consultations and wide range of legal services can be particularly valuable for businesses anticipating complex legal needs.
LegalZoom vs. Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is another strong competitor to LegalZoom. Like ZenBusiness, Bizee offers a free LLC formation package, making it significantly cheaper than LegalZoom’s basic offering. Bizee offers a year of free registered agent service with all their packages, whereas LegalZoom charges $299 annually for the same service.
Where LegalZoom stands out is in its reputation and range of services. While Bizee focuses primarily on business formation and related services, LegalZoom offers a wider array of legal services. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your legal needs, from business formation to trademark registration to legal consultations, LegalZoom might be the better choice.
How Does LegalZoom Compare at a Glance?
LegalZoom is best suited for entrepreneurs who value comprehensive legal services and are willing to pay a premium for a well-established brand. It’s particularly good for those who anticipate needing ongoing legal support beyond just business formation.
| Feature | LegalZoom | ZenBusiness | Bizee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic LLC Formation | $79 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees |
| Registered Agent | $299/year | $199/year | Free for 1st year, then $119/year |
| Processing Time (basic) | 30 business days | 2-3 weeks | Next business day |
| Attorney Consultations | Available | Not offered | Not offered |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A- | A+ |
The Bottom Line
LegalZoom provides a wide range of legal services beyond LLC formation. While it’s pricier than some competitors, you’re paying for its extensive experience, reputation, and breadth of services. Its user-friendly interface and wide-ranging customer support make it a solid choice for entrepreneurs who want a helping hand with the legal aspects of starting and running a business.
At The Law Dictionary, we believe that understanding your legal options is key to making the best decision for your business. While LegalZoom might not be the cheapest option out there, their reliability and comprehensive services make them a strong contender, especially if you anticipate needing ongoing legal support. Remember, the best choice depends on your unique needs, budget, and long-term business objectives. We hope this review assists you in making an informed decision about whether LegalZoom is the right option for your legal requirements.
