When it comes to handling legal matters like creating a will, forming a business entity, or drafting contracts, online legal document and form preparation sites have become an increasingly popular choice for individuals and small business owners. These platforms offer cost-effective, user-friendly alternatives to hiring an attorney, allowing users to create legally binding documents without the hefty legal fees. Here’s a comparison of the Top 5 Legal Document and Form Preparation Sites, highlighting their features and costs.
1. LegalZoom
Features: LegalZoom is perhaps the most well-known legal document preparation service. It offers a wide variety of services, from creating business entities (LLCs, corporations) to drafting personal documents like wills, living trusts, and power of attorney. LegalZoom also provides legal advice from licensed attorneys for an additional fee, which is an advantage for those who need expert assistance.
Costs: LegalZoom’s pricing starts at around $79 for simple documents like wills or power of attorney. Business formation packages start at $79 for an LLC and can go up to $349 for the most comprehensive service package. LegalZoom also offers a monthly subscription for ongoing legal advice at $31.25 per month.
2. Rocket Lawyer
Features: Rocket Lawyer is another popular choice that provides a wide range of legal documents for both personal and business use. One of its standout features is the ability to have documents reviewed by attorneys. Rocket Lawyer also offers a 7-day free trial for new users, which is great for those who only need occasional legal services.
Costs: Individual documents start at around $39.99 each. For ongoing access to legal advice, Rocket Lawyer offers a subscription service at $39.99 per month. Business formation services start at $99.99 for an LLC, and the price increases with additional features like registered agent services.
3. Nolo
Features: Nolo has been a trusted name in legal resources for decades, offering a variety of DIY legal documents, including wills, business contracts, and landlord-tenant agreements. The site also provides legal articles and guides to help users understand the laws behind the documents they create.
Costs: Nolo offers single documents starting around $19.99. Business formation packages begin at $49.99 for an LLC and go up to $149.99 for more comprehensive services. Nolo’s prices are generally lower than some competitors, making it a good choice for budget-conscious users.
4. LawDepot
Features: LawDepot offers customizable legal documents that can be used in a variety of situations, including personal agreements, business documents, and estate planning. One of its unique features is the ability to create a personalized legal document by answering a series of questions. LawDepot also offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to create and download documents without commitment.
Costs: LawDepot charges around $7.99 for a single document, with business formation packages starting at $99.95. LawDepot’s pricing is competitive, especially for those who need just one or two documents.
5. BizFilings
Features: BizFilings specializes in business formation and offers a comprehensive suite of services, including LLC, corporation, and nonprofit formation, along with registered agent services. While BizFilings doesn’t offer as broad a selection of personal legal documents as some other sites, it excels in business services.
Costs: Business formation packages start at $99, with additional costs for services like registered agent support, which typically costs around $199 annually. BizFilings’ focus on business entities makes it a great choice for entrepreneurs looking for a reliable way to incorporate or form an LLC.
The choice of a legal document and form preparation site depends on your specific needs. LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer stand out for their comprehensive services and access to legal advice, but they come with higher price tags. Nolo and LawDepot offer lower-cost options for individuals who need only a few documents, while BizFilings is ideal for those looking to form a business entity. Ultimately, selecting the right platform comes down to the complexity of your legal needs and your budget.