why use a lawyer over legalzoom

Legal Zoom is meant to provide the forms needed to develop and establish a business entity, such as an LLC. However, to ensure that you comply legally and do not have to retain the services of a lawyer later, you need to contact an attorney first.

Full Answer

Why seek legal advice with an attorney instead of LegalZoom?

Nov 23, 2021 · LegalZoom is not an attorney and, by law, cannot give legal advice to its customers. For all their talk about providing peace of mind, LegalZoom is little more than a glorified template service. Many aspiring entrepreneurs go with LegalZoom because money is tight and such do-it-yourself legal services claim to be a cheaper alternative to lawyers.

Can LegalZoom give Me legal advice?

In fact, Rocket Lawyer’s reviews are a big pro for the company. With more than 3,000 reviews online and a higher percentage of positive reviews, Rocket Lawyer takes the win over LegalZoom. Ease of Use. Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom are by far the easiest online legal services to use, as their platform can’t get easier to use.

Should I use LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer?

If you are comparing LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer by price, you should choose LegalZoom, as it is less expensive. Most of the legal forms offered by LegalZoom are one-fourth the price of what RocketLawyer charges. However, you still would be better off to pay for any legal work through an attorney. I am the top online business attorney.

Why should you hire a lawyer for your business?

Unlike LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services based on a monthly subscription fee of $39.99 per month. Included in your membership fees are: Generation of state-specific last will, power of attorney, and living will. Guaranteed acceptance by the courts in your state. Direct access to lawyers.

Why you shouldn't use LegalZoom?

LegalZoom Admits Its Limitations in Helping You LegalZoom's legal document service is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice and can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. LegalZoom is not permitted to engage in the practice of law.

Is LegalZoom legal Protect worth it?

There are thousands of reviews online, and they're largely positive. LegalZoom gets an average of 4.39 out of 5 on BBB, and 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot. LegalZoom's business formation paid plans range from $79 to $349, and they include a variety of add-on services that could help your business.Mar 25, 2022

Is LegalZoom OK for a simple will?

Every will, regardless of who drafts it, must meet the specific requirements of a state in order to be considered valid. If a state requires a will to be notarized, a LegalZoom will must be notarized in order to be considered a valid will.

Is LegalZoom legitimate?

Is LegalZoom legit? Yes, LegalZoom is legitimate. Since launching in 2001, LegalZoom has helped more than 4 million people.

What is the point of LegalZoom?

LegalZoom is an online legal service designed to be a “one-stop-shop” for all of a small business's legal needs. Businesses can pay a low fixed rate for many types of legal work—including a Business Advisory Plan, which offers ongoing access to attorney consultations and legal reviews.May 6, 2021

What is LegalZoom total compliance?

4) Compliance assistance – Next up is LegalZoom's Total Compliance package. According to their description, this includes annual report service, help with corporate recordkeeping, and assistance keeping your personal and business assets separate. This service costs $280 per year.Feb 3, 2022

Is a LegalZoom will valid in California?

LegalZoom's California Last Will and Testament can also make sure that any “residue” of the estate, assets that remain after distribution, end up where the testator intended.

Should I do an online will?

The short answer is yes—online wills are legitimate as long as you ensure they comply with federal and state laws. Online will companies hire licensed attorneys and legal professionals to carefully word their estate planning documents so that each is legally binding.

What is a testamentary will?

A testamentary trust can own immovable property, receive donations and inherit money from your estate when you die, and is a secure way of ensuring your assets are correctly managed by people you know and trust.Mar 26, 2020

Who started LegalZoom?

Robert ShapiroBrian LeeLegalZoom/Founders

Is LegalZoom profitable?

LegalZoom has been operating profitably until the most recent quarter. The Company generated $408 million in 2020 with a $46 million operating profit. In 2020, the Company continued to increase revenues by 18% despite the pandemic to $470 million with $49 million in operating profits.Aug 3, 2021

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?

No matter where you're starting your business, if you're forming an LLC or corporation, you're required to have a registered agent and a registered office.May 17, 2019

Which is better LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer?

If you are comparing LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer by price, you should choose LegalZoom, as it is less expensive. Most of the legal forms offered by...

What does LegalZoom do for you professionally?

Legal Zoom is meant to provide the forms needed to develop and establish a business entity, such as an LLC. However, to ensure that you comply lega...

How much do attorneys charge to set up an LLC?

What you pay for setting up an LLC depends on the state where it is formed. If you have a prevailing business presence in a state, you should set u...

How do I get rid of LegalZoom?

You can easily get rid of LegalZoom by contacting a competent business attorney - someone who can advise you on business set-up and compliance. To...

Why Is contacting a lawyer a better alternative than using a service like LegalZoom?

Legal Zoom is in the business to make money. It cannot advise you on the best course of action for your individual business. That is why you need t...

Why Is Sam Mollaei a better choice than LegalZoom for start-up companies?

Sam Mollaei is a top business lawyer online and has experience in advising clients on setting up business entities. He can be directly contacted by...

Is LegalZoom reputable?

Because LegalZoom is a legal services company and not a legal firm, it cannot represent you like an attorney. Therefore, LegalZoom cannot give you...

Is LegalZoom a good website?

LegalZoom is not even close to being as good as a lawyer. On LegalZoom’s website, their information portal has a disclaimer that the information provided is ‘not guaranteed to be correct, completely, or up to date.’.

Is LegalZoom a substitute for an attorney?

On LegalZoom’s website, it says that ‘Legal help is here.’. However, it later goes on to describe that ‘we are not a law turn or a substitute for an attorney or law firm.’. LegalZoom’s website is intentionally misleading.

Is LegalZoom a lawyer?

Because LegalZoom is not a lawyer’s office, you’re not getting the guidance and expertise of a lawyer even though you’re still paying ridiculous prices for their services. LegalZoom sounds appealing and easy but will end up likely costing you a lot of time and money you could have saved by just going to a real lawyer.

What are LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer?

Finding proper attorneys with whom you are willing to trust the future of your estate is no simple task. In addition to being a tiresome process, it can often be excruciatingly costly.

What is a Will?

A will is a legally binding document that will explicitly describe your wishes for how your children will be cared for following your death. In addition to child care, a will also detail all of your assets and how they are to be distributed.

Why Use Online Will Services?

As long as you ensure the legal service provider you are working with complies with federal and state laws, online will services are legitimate and hold up in a court of law. You will find that both LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer have both licensed attorneys as well as legal professionals on their staff to helpfully get your paperwork completed.

LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Features

LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are similar in that they are both online legal service providers. While they can assist with several similar processes, they do have their differences as well. It is important to take a look at all of the features they offer to help decide which service sound more fitting for your situation.

LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Pricing

A primary reason for seeking out online legal services as opposed to hiring licensed attorneys to put together your will is for cost savings purposes. Understanding that both LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are likely to be less expensive than hiring a lawyer, it is still important to take a look at their pricing for what they provide.

LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Customer Support

Sometimes, customer service can make or break it for a company based on your needs. It is important to take a look at the levels of customer support each online service has to offer.

Conclusion

So what does it all come down to? Who do you turn to when it comes time to preparing your estate?

What are the problems with LLC?

As a practical matter, the two main problems that usually pop up in a LLC are: Distributions of income or assets and. Leaving or dissolving the LLC. It shouldn't be any surprise, but LegalZoom does not have much protection or guidance on either of these issues. Unfair distributions.

What happens if you resign from an LLC?

Instead of being entitled to your share of the LLC's assets, you could now end up owing the company money because you wanted to leave.

Is LegalZoom a law firm?

LegalZoom is not a law firm. Not only do they have a policy of not providing legal advice, but if they tried to give you advice, they could wind up in jail. That means that they are only going to give you the most basic information, and nothing that would even potentially border on legal advice.

Is legal zoom a good idea?

The drafting and prosecution of patent applications (design and utility) requires considerable skill and training, You should use a lawyer for this---and not a cheap lawyer. This is one area of the legal world where you truly "get what you pay for", If your patent is important to you, you should seek out quality, and not make your decision based on price.

Does LegalZoom provide legal advice?

LegalZoom cannot, by law, provide any legal advice. It merely sells forms and acts as an intermediary between its website visitors and attorneys [and patent agents] who agree to take on LegalZoom referrals for a very, very reduced -- and flat -- rate.

Is Legal Zoom registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office?

Short answer is no. I strongly agree with the other attorney answers. Legal Zoom is not registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Either find an attorney, or do it yourself.

What can a lawyer do?

A lawyer can interpret and explain these rules, advise you on the feasibility of your plans, and help you structure the transaction and gain the approvals you will need to move forward. 7. Your instinct tells you to talk to a lawyer.

What happens when you hire a lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer, your lawyer only works for you and will make sure your interests are protected. 4. There is a problem with the property or the deal. A lawyer can help you resolve some of the tougher, more technical issues that might come up.

What to do if someone threatens to sue you?

You may also need legal advice if the property is involved in a foreclosure or other litigation, or if you get into a dispute with the buyer or seller. Always talk to a lawyer if someone threatens to sue you. 5. You are concerned about the tax consequences.

Do you need a lawyer for a real estate transaction?

1. State law requires you to use a lawyer. In some states, lawyers must be involved in certain aspects of a real estate transaction. In other states, lawyers are optional. 2. There is no real estate agent or broker involved. A “for sale by owner" deal can save you money on real estate commissions, but you still need someone to prepare ...

Can you deduct capital gains on a home?

If you are the seller, you could be liable for capital gains tax if the home has increased in value. If you are the buyer, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, home office expenses, and some or all of your property tax. If you plan to rent the property, you will have to report your rental income and expenses on your taxes.

Can you change the exterior of your house?

You plan to change the exterior of the home. Your local government, historic district, or homeowners' association may have strict rules about what you can and can't do to the outside of your house. These rules can cover everything from teardowns to additions, to solar panels, to new paint colors.

Do I need a lawyer for a home sale?

If you have a good agent and things are running smoothly, you may not need a lawyer.

What is legal zoom?

LegalZoom legal document review services are available for an affordable price that includes document review or contract review by an attorney who understands the language used in legal documents. To take advantage of LegalZoom’s exclusive price for online legal document review, you must be a Business Advisory Plan member.

How many pages should a legal plan document be?

Before signing your legal documents, make sure that the fine print doesn’t leave you at risk. As a legal plan member, you get attorney review of documents up to 10 pages in length at no extra charge.

Does LegalZoom endorse lawyers?

LegalZoom does not endorse or recommend any lawyer or law firm who advertises on our site. We do not make any representation and have not made any judgment as to the qualifications, expertise or credentials of any participating lawyer. The information contained on this site is not legal advice.

What happens when the stakes are high?

When the stakes are high, the last thing you want is errors in your legal documents. Small errors can have big consequences. So don’t get legal forms for your important legal matters without consulting with an attorney. You often don’t know what protections are missing from a will, trust, or legal form until it’s too late.

Is LegalZoom a law firm?

LegalZoom is not a law firm, and the employees of LegalZoom are not acting as your attorney. LegalZoom’s legal document service is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. . . . LegalZoom cannot provide legal advice and can only provide self-help services at your specific direction.

The Reasons Not To Use LegalZoom Or Other Online Legal Templates

I often hear from prospective clients looking to save a buck that it’s cheaper to just use LegalZoom or other online template services. Of course it is. A template is a form without any guarantees, experience, or education that can tell you what your situation requires.

Save the money, you or your family will need it down the road

The fact is that these templates are created for a limited set of facts, and if those facts don’t apply to your situation, there is no one to tell you so. So, if you use these documents, it is very likely that that they will not work for you or your family in the long run.

You are not a lawyer

It use to be the case that people had to go to an attorney to get an estate plan or contract prepared. In the current age of the internet and online shopping, platforms like LegalZoom and RocketLawyer offer these templates to consumers. The problem: you are not a lawyer.

The money you spend on a lawyer will save you or your family many times over

Being a hybrid of a transaction and trial attorney, I have had the benefit of seeing what good planning looks like and how bad planning leads to litigation. Unfortunately, you won’t know that your template doesn’t work until it doesn’t work, and at that point it’s too late to spend a little to save a lot.

The Bottom Line

If you want a document that is going to work for you, your business and your family in the end, consult a lawyer with the education, knowledge and experience to counsel you and draft a document to suit your specific needs. You, your business and your family are worth it, wouldn’t you agree?