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We get why you're wondering. The idea of handling important legal stuff online can feel pretty nerve-wracking, especially if you're not sure whether the company is the real deal. The good news? We've done all the research into LegalZoom so you don't have to. From customer reviews to pricing breakdowns, we'll cover everything you need to know in deciding whether or not LegalZoom can be trusted.
So is LegalZoom legit? Let’s find out. These are the eight key things you need to know:
Yes, LegalZoom is legit. Since 2001, they’ve helped over 4 million businesses with their legal documents, serving more than 10 million customers in total. In short, a lot of people have trusted them with their legal needs!
The Better Business Bureau gives LegalZoom an A+ rating, which is pretty impressive for any company. They're also a publicly traded company, so they have to follow strict financial reporting rules – they can't just disappear overnight with your money.
There is an important caveat: the fact that they’re "legit" doesn't mean LegalZoom is the same as hiring a lawyer. They’re like a really smart assistant who helps you fill out forms and handle routine paperwork. They're great with the basics but if your situation is complicated, definitely get advice from a real attorney.
When we looked at what real customers are saying, the picture is pretty encouraging. LegalZoom gets a score of 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on reviews from 24,085 people. Over 80% of respondents gave a 5-star review, which is high by the standards of any service company.
What people love about LegalZoom:
What gets people frustrated:
Most people are happy with their core service, but it pays to be smart on avoiding any add-ons you don't really need.
Here's where things get a little tricky. LegalZoom loves to advertise their "free" basic package (you just pay state filing fees), but that's kind of like saying a car is "free" if you only pay for the engine, wheels, and transmission separately.
LegalZoom makes quite a bit of money by upselling you to their "call a lawyer" programs, and boy, do they ever try to upsell you. We're talking about pop-ups, phone calls, and "limited-time offers" at every step of the process. Sign up for every upsell product LegalZoom offers and you’ll end up spending around $1,500…
Here's a breakdown of their pricing structure:
It’s important to go into it knowing exactly what you need. You probably don't need half the stuff LegalZoom will try to sell you. As an example, you can get an EIN (tax ID number) directly from the IRS for free – it takes about 10 minutes online –, so don’t let them sell it to you as some special service.
Credit where credit is due, LegalZoom genuinely excels at certain things. That's why they've been around for over 20 years.
The platform takes complex legal processes and breaks them down into simple, easy-to-follow questionnaires. It's like you’re being walked through each process by someone who knows, which you’ll know is so helpful if you've ever tried to fill out a legal form on your own.
LegalZoom isn't perfect, and there are some definite limitations you should know about upfront.
The main issues:
LegalZoom is sort of like using TurboTax for your legal needs. It's great if your situation fits a template, but if you've got complicated stuff going on you should have a professional look at your case individually.
LegalZoom’s customer service can be a bit of a mixed bag depending on what you need help with.
The good: Most positive comments relate to the quality of customer service received. Plenty of people mention helpful, knowledgeable reps who are patient and seem to care about solving your issue.
The bad: Whether online or by phone, LegalZoom representatives will ask for information about your business before they answer any questions. Translation? They're trying to figure out what else they can sell you before they help with your query.
What to expect:
Here’s a tip: If you call with a specific question, just politely decline the "special offers" they’ll want to tell you about and stick to why you called.
LegalZoom is by no means your only option. Depending on what you’re looking for, it may not even be the best one.
Some alternatives worth considering:
When LegalZoom may be worth the extra cost:
Alright, let's sum up. Is LegalZoom legit? Absolutely. Is LegalZoom any good? For the right person in the right situation, it certainly can be. Is LegalZoom worth it? Well, it depends on your priorities.
LegalZoom makes sense if you:
Look elsewhere if you:
Money-saving tips if you choose LegalZoom:
LegalZoom is a legitimate company. For routine legal tasks, it can save you a lot of time and money. They're not perfect, but they can help out people who need support and guidance through stuff like writing a will or setting up a company. For more complicated stuff, we recommend going down the traditional route.
Go in with realistic expectations and a clear idea of what you need and you won’t be disappointed. Don't let them talk you into services you don't need, that way you’ll probably be happier with the experience. Good luck solving your legal issues and remember – when in doubt, have a lawyer look at your case.
No, LegalZoom isn’t a law firm, it’s a legal document preparation company that connects you with independent attorneys when you need them. They do, however, own a law firm called LZ Legal Services for trademark and patent work in case you need these services.
The basic package is free, but you’ll need to pay state fees, which usually cost $50-$300. Most people end up paying between $200-$500 total once you factor in add-ons like operating agreements and registered agent services. The premium package runs $299 plus state fees and includes everything up to attorney consultations.
Yes, LegalZoom has all the proper security measures and privacy policies in place.
LegalZoom offers an accuracy guarantee, which means they’ll correct errors and refile documents at no additional cost. They also provide a 60-day money back guarantee on most services if you’re not satisfied and can provide a good reason.
It depends. For routine tasks like LLC formation or a standard will, LegalZoom can be a good option, but for complex legal issues, unique circumstances, or ongoing advice, it’s probably worth the cost of getting a local attorney to look at your case individually.
It usually takes 5-14 business days depending on your state, plus whatever time it takes for your state to approve filings. You can pay extra to speed up the process, which will get your document filed in 1-2 business days.