When you venture out on your own to start a business, it can feel like entering a whole new world — one filled with legal mumbo-jumbo, reams of paperwork and dozens of forms to fill out the right way. For new entrepreneurs, choosing to create a formal business entity such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be one of the most challenging things to do. The good news is that this solution is not only easy and affordable for entrepreneurs, thanks to LegalZoom LLC, which can help new businesses launch without breaking the bank.
LegalZoom has emerged as one of the best-known services for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC or other type of business entity without the high cost of using a lawyer. Starting a new company can get overwhelming; and whether this is your first foray into entrepreneurship or your fifth, LegalZoom LLC is here to help you with the basic needs to get your growing company in order, and help guide you through the business formation process.
In this article, we will examine LegalZoom LLC in detail, including how it works, its benefits, what services it offers, and some real companies that used LegalZoom LLC to successfully launch. We will also consider what features have made LegalZoom LLC a popular choice, how it stacks up against traditional forms of legal services, and the pros and cons to the service.
What is LegalZoom LLC?
LegalZoom LLC is a legal Business Formation services platform, created by LegalZoom, for online legal services to help streamline many of the legal procedures for establishing and running a business. LegalZoom’s main offering is LLC formation, but it also provides numerous other services for businesses, from trademarks to business licenses to tax filings, among others.
Essentially, LegalZoom LLC’s formation service walks users through how to form a limited liability company (LLC) in whatever state you choose. A limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most common and easiest forms of business entity, providing flexibility and protecting the owner of the business. They help entrepreneurs cut through the red tape, filing the required documents with the state through an online service.
Is LegalZoom Legit for LLC?
Whether you are considering starting an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or have already taken the plunge, one of the first questions you may ask yourself that, Is LegalZoom Legit for LLC to aid you in the process. There are countless online services that claim to make business formation easier, but is LegalZoom LLC is reliable and can it live up to its promises? The short answer is yes, LegalZoom is perfectly legitimate for forming an LLC, but there are some important details you need to know before you decide.
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known online legal services out there, having been around since 2001. We earnestly make a name for yourself throughout all these years, assisting in the business or personal legal matters, such as LLC formation. LegalZoom LLC is a widely trusted name in helping people form an LLC without the expenses associated with hiring a traditional attorney. Having served more than 4 million customers, this company has established a reputation for assisting entrepreneurs in launching their businesses.
That said, even though LegalZoom is legit, they don’t give you personalized attention like a lawyer does. What started as a streamlined process can present challenges for some people when using LegalZoom — it is essentially an automated service filing the necessary paperwork, which isn’t right for everyone. If your LLC’s needs are complex or need specific legal advice, it may make sense to hire an attorney for customized advice. But for most basic LLC formations, LegalZoom LLC gets it done and gets it done well.
The convenience factor: one of the biggest advantages of going with LegalZoom LLC. You can do everything online without setting foot inside a law office. Their simple platform walks you through every step of forming an LLC, from selecting a business name to filing the necessary papers with the state. LegalZoom LLC also offers a variety of other services that LLC owners will find helpful, including registered agent services, operating agreements, and business licenses.
So what are the good things here, but also some things to consider? Although the base price for setting up an LLC with LegalZoom LLC is competitive, the firm has several tiers of service, and you’ll pay higher prices for expedited service, etc. These add-ons can increase the overall cost of using LegalZoom compared to what you may have expected. That’s why it’s essential to read the fine print and know just what you get when you buy the package.
Some users report mixed experiences with customer service as well. While some users say the support proves helpful, others have reported long wait times or unhelpful responses. For entrepreneurs seeking immediate help when issues arise or when questions come up about the process, this can be a source of frustration.
Overall, LegalZoom is a valid and highly effective and widely-used_choice for those in search of an LLC formation solution. Rocket Lawyer offers an affordable, convenient, and trusted service for basic LLC formations. That said, if you have specific legal issues or need a more hands-on approach, it may be worth working with an attorney. If you’re an average business owner who wants an uncomplicated LLC formation, LegalZoom is a dependable and solid option.
A User-Friendly Platform
When it comes to the other legal services, what is the unique approach that legalzoom is taking? They simply go to the LegalZoom site and walk through a simple step-by-step overview of the complete LLC formation process. Whether you create a new business or restructure an already existing one, LegalZoom simplifies an otherwise tedious, multi-step process.
LegalZoom offers services for both individuals and businesses, and its platform can be accessed from any internet-connected device. LegalZoom can help entrepreneurs easily avoid missing steps and keep things simple with clear steps and customer support for legal terms that may not be familiar.
The Past, Present, and Future of LegalZoom
Founded in 2001 by attorney Brian Liu, entrepreneur Brian Lee, and well-known lawyer Robert J. Shapiro, LegalZoom. The company “was founded to bring affordable legal services to people who didn’t traditionally have access to legal representation.” It became immediately popular because of its simple easy-to-use online interface, and over the years it has grown its offerings to provide services for several aspects of legal provenience from business formation to intellectual property protection to estate planning and more.
Driven by the increasing need for accessible, affordable legal services, particularly within the entrepreneurial community, LegalZoom has emerged as a market leader. With more than 4 million users around the world, it now helps people start and grow their businesses, and remains a well-loved resource for anyone starting out in online business.
LegalZoom LLC: How It Works? Step-By-Step Process
LegalZoom LLC does make forming an LLC easy to do even if you have zero experience with business law. Here’s a closer look at how the process works:
Step 1: What State Will You Incorporate in
The first step to creating your LLC with LegalZoom LLC is choosing the state where your business will be registered. While most businesses opt to form an LLC in the state they intend to operate in, others decide to register their LLC in a state that has business-friendly regulations, such as Delaware or Nevada.
States have different rules, fees, and filing requirements, and LegalZoom LLC helps make sure that your LLC follows the specific laws of the state you choose. The company knows the regulations in every state and gives detailed explanations to help you through this step.
Step 2: Settle on a Business Name
Your LLC requires a name that had not been used before, a unique name distinct from others. LegalZoom has a simple search tool that will determine if your desired business name is available in the state that you are forming your LLC. If you find that your chosen name is already taking, LegalZoom LLC will provide a list of alternative names or you can amend your name if needed.
Step 3: Select Your Package
After selecting your LLC name and your state of incorporation, you’ll have a few different service packages to choose from with the LegalZoom offerings. However, there are packages that you can purchase, which can vary from basic to premium depending on how much you need help.
The basic package usually covers state filing of Articles of Organization (the main document needed to form an LLC) and access to LegalZoom’s customer support. When you buy a higher-tier package from Zenbusiness, you also benefit from all different types of add-ons like a registered agent service mandatory in most states, and an Operating Agreement providing rules and duties for LLC members.
Step 4: Filing Your Paperwork
Once you choose your package, all you have to do is let LegalZoom LLC handle the rest. The company does this by filing your Articles of Organization with the state and not forgetting about all the other legal paperwork required to officially form your LLC. The state will send you confirmation that your LLC is now recognized.
Step 5: Additional Services
Once you’ve formed your LLC, LegalZoom LLC has a number of additional services which can assist you with ongoing business management. This also includes services such as applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN); business licenses; and registering a trademark for your brand.
In addition, LegalZoom can help you draft important legal documents like contracts and agreements, and it will provide ongoing support to help you ensure that your business stays in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Why Use LegalZoom LLC to Form Your LLC?
Read below for our top reasons why entrepreneurs and small business owners choose LegalZoom for LLC formation. Here are just a few:
Affordable and Accessible
One of LegalZoom’s major selling points is its price. Conventional legal services can be pricey, and a budget-conscious small business or startup might not be able to afford an attorney. LegalZoom also has several cheap packages that people who want to be startup but are tight on budget can use to get their businesses off the ground instead of incurring attorney fees.
LegalZoom is also entirely online, so no in-person meetings or lengthy waits for appointments. You do not have to go anywhere to complete the whole process.
Time-Saving
When starting a business, you will need to dedicate considerable time to it, especially regarding the legal demands. LegalZoom makes this easy, guiding you through the process step-by-step, and doing all the paperwork for you. Cutting down on the time spent on administration can be extremely beneficial to entrepreneurs who are spinning multiple plates and are keen to focus on developing their business.
Comprehensive Support
In addition to LLC formation, LegalZoom provides a variety of services to assist businesses in growing and staying compliant with the law. Whether you require a registered agent service, trademark registration or assistance with contracts, LegalZoom has the tools you need to run your business smoothly.
Real-Time Tracking & Updates
LegalZoom ensures that you will be updated at every step during the LLC formation process, offering real-time tracking for your filing status. You are informed about the stage of your application.
Business Examples — LegalZoom LLC In Action
So many thriving businesses use LegalZoom LLC to create their LLCs and get on the right track. Below are some examples of companies who originated with LegalZoom:
Fitbit
The prominent wearables fitness company Fitbit (now owned by Google) filed its LLC formation documents using LegalZoom. Co-founder James Park selected LegalZoom for its simplicity and affordability. As a result, by utilizing LegalZoom LLC, Fitbit could concentrate on what they do best, building cutting-edge product, rather than being about to form them. Now, Fitbit is a billion-dollar company that millions of users use around the globe.
The Honest Company
Actress Jessica Alba founded The Honest Company, which used LegalZoom to create its LLC and legal documents. In the home goods industry, the company was founded on a promise to deliver safe and non-toxic household products. Using LegalZoom LLC allowed Jessica Alba and her team to concentrate on what really mattered: scaling the brand and developing products that were as safe as possible. The Honest Company is now a name to be reckoned with in the natural products space.
Eat Clean Bro
Another small business that thrived with the help of LegalZoom’s services was Eat Clean Bro, a meal delivery service focused on healthy eating. Founder Justin Klosky wanted an easy, inexpensive way to manage the legal paperwork and make sure that his new business was registered correctly. LegalZoom LLC guided him through the LLC formation process and helped him grow his business quickly. These days, Eat Clean Bro delivers healthy, chef-prepared meals to busy consumers in a number of states.
Additional Services Offered by LegalZoom LLC
Entrepreneurs also use a range of additional services offered by LegalZoom to help them grow and protect their businesses. One example of such a service is protecting your brand from infringement with LegalZoom’s trademark registration service. The business license service also basicens that the entrepreneurs receive all of the things according to the state and local law.
The Pros and Cons of LegalZoom LLC
As with any service, there are pros and cons to using LegalZoom. Pros and cons of LegalZoom LLC Many entrepreneurs decide to use LegalZoom because they appreciate the easy business formation process.
Pros:
Cost-Effective: LegalZoom’s packages are generally less expensive than traditional legal services, making them attainable for entrepreneurs with tight budgets.
Easy To Use: Even those that have no legal knowledge can navigate the platform. You have step-by-step guidelines that exercise you through the whole measure.
Efficiency: LegalZoom takes care of the paperwork and filing process, allowing business owners to save a considerable amount of time and effort.
All-in-one Services: LegalZoom provides a range of services beyond LLC formation, including trademark registration, contracts, and tax filings.
Cons:
Extra Charges: Though the basic packages from LegalZoom are budget-friendly, a number of added services like expedited filing or a registered agent cost more.
Limited Personalization: LegalZoom’s services are automated, which means you might not get personalized legal services and attention you might receive from an attorney.
State-Specific Regulations — LegalZoom takes care of filing and many other intricate details of business formation, but you still have to be aware of state regulations.
LegalZoom LLC vs. A Lawyer: Which is Best?
Hiring a lawyer may be the best route for some business. If you have a complex business, expect to require regular legal advice, or prefer a more tailored service, a lawyer may be more appropriate. However, if you’re a beginner and looking for an easy, cost-effective method of registering your business, LegalZoom LLC is the perfect option.
For many entrepreneurs and especially for those with less complicated needs, LegalZoom provides a quick, inexpensive answer. And, by using LegalZoom LLC, you can save yourself a ton of money and hassle compared to traditional legal services.
FAQs
What is LegalZoom LLC, and how does LegalZoom LLC help entrepreneurs?
With its trained on 10–2023 data, LegalZoom LLC is an establishment from entrepreneurs to easily and affordably form a Limit Liability Company (LLC) It walks users through the steps involved in selecting a state, choosing a business name, filing the paperwork necessary to get started, and other services, such as trademark registration, business licenses, and more, to help users manage and grow their businesses.
How much does it cost to form an LLC with LegalZoom?
The legal service includes different tiers from basic to premium plans. Depending on the service you select and what you add on, such as expedited filing or a registered agent, the cost can vary. In general, LegalZoom costs less than if you hired a regular lawyer.
What are the advantages of using LegalZoom to form an LLC?
Pros of LegalZoom include its cost-effectiveness, easy-to-use online platform, time-saving automation, and extensive services that extend beyond just LLC formation. Plus, it continues to provide support and real-time tracking to help keep your business legally compliant.
Does LegalZoom provide customized legal guidance?
Because LegalZoom is an automated service, you won’t be able to get the same individualized legal advice you would receive if you worked directly with a lawyer. But it does offer clear instructions and customer support to walk you through the process, and it’s a terrific choice for entrepreneurs with less complex business needs.
What other services does LegalZoom provide for businesses?
In addition to LLC formation, LegalZoom provides trademark registration, business licenses, contracts, taxes, and so on. These services allow business owners to run their businesses while helping them remain compliant with legality.
Will you save money by using LegalZoom to form your LLC instead of hiring a lawyer?
If you’re a straightforward LLC that needs an affordable, quick option for formation, LegalZoom is the right fit. But, if you require specific legal advice for your unique situation, have a complex business structure, or would like to have more perpetual access to an attorney, hiring a lawyer might be more advantageous for you. LegalZoom is well suited for entrepreneurs with straightforward legal needs.
With LegalZoom, LLC formation has never been easier — cost-effective, quick and serving the entrepreneur who needs no-nonsense solutions to create and expand their business. LegalZoom is a must-have for business owners, with its easy platform to use, low cost, and wide selection of ancillary services.
Whether you are in the early stages of forming your company or need continuing legal counsel for your organization, LegalZoom shows entrepreneurs the way forward in the ever-quickening world of new businesses. From the launch of Fitbit and The Honest Company to the rise of small businesses like Eat Clean Bro, LegalZoom has become an invaluable partner to entrepreneurs everywhere.
So if you’re ready to take that next step on your journey as an entrepreneur, train up your own LLC with LegalZoom and let them help you lay the groundwork to ensure your business is legal, and you can focus on what’s most important: building that business.