Most Extra Services

LegalZoom is a full-service online company that provides comprehensive legal support for individuals and small businesses. Since 2001, it has constantly expanded its service offerings to include a complete suite of estate planning services in addition to other basic options, such as leases, trademark registration and business formation. Few law firms offer as many services as are available through LegalZoom. In the estate planning category alone, LegalZoom has five products that address the most common legal documents needed. 

As a comprehensive solution to creating legal documents, LegalZoom is one of the best online will services out there. With solutions to most straightforward legal questions, LegalZoom is a one-stop shop for help. 

Pros:

  • Offers an app that can be used on Apple or Android devices that is routinely updated for increased effectiveness.
  • Has a variety of subscription-style prepaid legal plans that will give you access to lawyers for less than you’d pay a traditional law firm.
  • Offers three distinct packages that include a completed last will and testament, with pricier options also providing legal advice and/or additional documents.
  • Customer service representatives are available via online chat as well as via phone to quickly and conveniently answer questions about services.

Cons:

  • A will costs $89, and product bundles cost between $99-$179 and have auto-renewal features that will cost between about $25 monthly and $200 annually (depending on the plan).
  • The longest that you can make free revisions on a LegalZoom will is for one year, and that is only as part of the most expensive will package.

Overview of LegalZoom Online Will Services

LegalZoom offers consumers access to some of the most common legal documents without the need to retain an attorney. Tech entrepreneurs, Brian Lee, Brian P. Y. Liu and Edward Hartman, partnered with Robert Shapiro, Esquire, to create a service that’s customizable, flexible and comprehensive enough for most basic legal matters. While LegalZoom isn’t intended to replace the services of an attorney, it’s a streamlined way to generate legal documents, such as contracts, wills and guardianship papers.

Payment Structure

-Flat fee
-Optional membership

Discounts or Trials

Occasional discount codes online

Costs

$89+

Revisions Available

Up to 1 year of free revisions*

Refunds Offered

Only for bundle purchases before documents are finalized**

How Much Does LegalZoom Cost?

LegalZoom charges for document creation based on the number and type of legal documents generated. For example, a last will and testament starts at $89, and the price increases based on the complexity of the final document. Establishing a living will or setting up a power of attorney document costs less than $40 for each service. The documents to establish a living trust start at $279. For those seeking a comprehensive solution with multiple assets to divide between several beneficiaries, an estate plan bundle might be the best option with a starting price of $249.

Full Review of LegalZoom’s Features

LegalZoom has a seemingly endless list of available features, but for the purposes of this guide, the focus is on estate planning. The features listed below apply specifically to documents created and accessed through LegalZoom’s estate planning functions. 

Comprehensive Suite of Tools

With LegalZoom, users get more than just a last will template. Guided estate planning includes everything from ways to avoid probate to setting up trusts and choosing someone to hold power of attorney (medical and/or financial). Plus, the interface is clean and easy to use, so it doesn’t take long to set up a straightforward last will or living will.

Real-Time Legal Help Available

One of the options that makes LegalZoom stand out when comparing online will services is the access to reduced-priced legal advice. Through this company, users can talk to an attorney at pre-negotiated rates that are typically well below the market rate for a legal consult. 

30-Day Revision Window

Depending on the level of service purchased, users can make changes to their legal documents for a minimum of 30 days. Some bundled plans include up to a year of free revisions for estate planning documents. 

A La Carte Pricing

With LegalZoom, users select the specific documents needed for their estate, helping to keep the cost of planning affordable. Documents start as low as $35, with last wills starting at $89 and increasing based on the complexity of the finished will. 

App Access Enabled

Users can create a custom last will at a time and place convenient for them using the Android or iOS apps available. LegalZoom publishes and regularly updates apps on both major platforms to allow users to access their accounts and make updates as situations change. 

Exceptional Customer Service

Customer service is available over the phone and via live chat to help users during document creation. Upon completion, a user has a last will or another legal document that’s enforceable in all 50 states, though having a lawyer look over the document is often a good idea for complex estates. 

Who Should Consider Using LegalZoom?

Seniors With Legal Questions

Since LegalZoom offers so many products, seniors can get help with a wide array of potential problems. There are lease agreements that contain the standard clauses legal in the specified state, property deed transfer documents, divorce documents and much more. 

Anyone Who Needs Basic Estate Planning Assistance

From setting up a guardian for a minor child to transferring real estate without the need for probate, LegalZoom offers everything needed for most estates. The estate planning process may also include selecting individuals to handle medical power of attorney or giving someone financial power of attorney in some circumstances. For the vast majority of people, LegalZoom offers comprehensive estate planning that covers most situations. 

What Are People Saying About LegalZoom?

Users almost universally rave about the exceptional customer service offered by LegalZoom. Courteous, knowledgeable and professional are just some of the descriptions used to praise interactions via chat and phone support. When users need help determining which documents to buy or how to properly fill out the forms, it’s available. Small business services, such as LLC formation and trademark registration, all get top marks right along with LegalZoom’s online will services. 

LegalZoom has top ratings from users, scoring an average of 4.4 stars on TrustPilot. The ability to speak with an attorney, often at a discounted price, gives many users added peace of mind about using a self-serve option for legal documents. 

FAQs


Can You Create a Will Online for Free?



Yes. You can create a will online for free, but you should always check with an attorney or use a service that works with legal counsel to ensure your will is valid and legally binding. Paying a nominal fee to an online will service for a pre-vetted document is one way to get extra peace of mind. Click here for our full answer to this question.


Are Online Wills Reliable and Enforceable?



Yes! Online will services, such as LegalZoom, work with licensed attorneys to create wills and other legal documents that are reliable and enforceable in all 50 states. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What are the Most Important Things to Put in Your Will?



For a will to be legal, it must include personal information that identifies the person writing the will, a statement that it’s a last will and testament and information about what to do with assets. Most wills list beneficiaries, executors, guardianship information and any other outstanding matters that may need to be resolved before dividing assets between listed beneficiaries. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?



A last will is a document that states who is entitled to receive some or all of your assets after your death. A trust is a financial arrangement in which a trustee manages financial assets deposited to fulfill a stated purpose. Click here for our full answer to this question.


Who Should I Choose as the Executor of My Will?



The executor of your will is the person who handles all the details involved in separating your assets and turning them over to your heirs. The executor should be someone you trust and who agrees to handle the job. Click here for our full answer to this question.