LegalZoom: Affordable Online Legal Services for Small Businesses and Personal Planning

LegalZoom has positioned itself as the go‑to online legal service for entrepreneurs, musicians, and anyone who needs to formalize a business or manage estate matters without hiring a traditional law firm. The platform’s core offering—LLC formation—begins at a single‑page interface that walks users through the necessary information and automatically generates the required state filings. ## Setting up an LLC A typical LLC creation process on LegalZoom includes: 1. **Business name validation** – Ensures the chosen name is available in the target state. 2. **Structuring the LLC** – Users select management type (member‑managed vs. manager‑managed) and whether to file for an EIN. 3. **Operating agreement drafting** – A customizable template that can be reviewed by the user. 4. **State filing** – LegalZoom submits the Articles of Organization and pays the filing fee. In practice, the cost for forming an LLC varies considerably by jurisdiction. Montana offers the lowest filing fee at $35, whereas Massachusetts can climb to $500. Most states charge between $50 and $200. LegalZoom’s basic tier bundles the state fee and a modest service fee, typically leaving customers with a total bill anywhere from $35 to $500, plus any optional add‑ons. Optional services—such as expedited processing, document notarization, or a full legal review—can push the price up. For example, correcting a misspelled name may require an additional $129. Nonetheless, the platform remains efficient; one user reported completing the entire process in 30 minutes for roughly $500. ## Other Business Formation Options Beyond LLCs, LegalZoom supports: - **Corporations** (S‑corp or C‑corp) starting at $149 plus state fees. - **501(c)(3) Nonprofits** at $99 plus state fees. - **DBA filings** at $99 plus state fees. - **Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)** and other entity types. Each offering is accompanied by a brief FAQ and a cost estimate based on the chosen state. ## Estate Planning Services LegalZoom’s estate‑planning suite includes wills, durable powers of attorney, and living trusts. Users can browse two will options and two trust options, with a Premium Trust package offering a 10% discount on LegalZoom products and a 25% discount on attorney services. Premium plans also provide unlimited document revisions and an annual attorney review after six months, with the Personal Attorney Plan priced between $17 for six months and $20 for twelve months. ## Saving Strategies - **Promo Codes**: A 10% off coupon is available for new customers, particularly for LLC formation. - **Annual Memberships**: For businesses with recurring filing needs, an annual subscription reduces the per‑transaction cost. - **Installment Plans**: Items priced above $200 can be paid in staggered installments. - **Seasonal Promotions**: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year’s events typically feature discounts. - **Free Resources**: LegalZoom hosts a knowledge hub covering topics such as durable power of attorney, trademark requirements, and managing an LLC. ## Bottom Line While the initial outlay for forming an LLC or other legal entity can reach several hundred dollars, LegalZoom’s streamlined process, coupled with the ability to apply discount codes and opt for flexible payment plans, makes it a cost‑effective solution for startups and individuals seeking professional legal support without the overhead of traditional law firms. The platform’s clear interface and robust support resources help demystify legal jargon, allowing users—even those who consider themselves technically unskilled—to confidently navigate the paperwork required to protect their business and personal assets.