LegalZoom Overview
LegalZoom is a legitimate online company that helps create legal documents without providing legal advice. It has assisted over 4 million customers since 2001. LegalZoom offers services such as formation help, intellectual property services, family law advice, and more. Attorney plans provide legal consultations and reviews.
LegalZoom Costs and Comparison
LegalZoom may be more expensive compared to other options for LLC formation. An LLC through LegalZoom costs $79-$359 plus state fees, while alternatives offer similar services for lower costs. Similar online legal services exist, such as Nolo and Rocket Lawyer, but LegalZoom remains the largest in the industry.
LegalZoom Controversy
The controversy surrounding LegalZoom revolves around the unauthorized practice of law. LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice and only offers self-help services. While convenient, using LegalZoom for estate planning may lead to errors as it lacks personalized legal advice crucial for complexities in the law.
Limitations of LegalZoom
LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice or personalized consultations like a law firm. Depending on the state and legal issue, LegalZoom may not be able to address specific needs adequately. For specialized legal matters, such as trademark issues, consulting with an attorney is advisable.
Comparing LegalZoom and ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness and LegalZoom both assist with business formation, but with different focuses. ZenBusiness emphasizes filings and compliance, while LegalZoom offers legal advice from licensed attorneys at a higher cost. Consider your business needs to determine the most suitable service.
Conclusion
While LegalZoom is known for expert attorney support, it may not always be the most cost-effective option compared to alternatives like ZenBusiness, especially for basic LLC formation needs. LegalZoom remains a valuable resource for businesses requiring personalized legal guidance and a wide range of legal services.