Introduction: Is LegalZoom Right for Your Estate Plan?
Planning your estate can feel daunting, but the right online service can make the process accessible and affordable. LegalZoom is one of the most well-known names in online legal services, offering a variety of products, including their popular Trust and Will packages.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down LegalZoom’s Trust & Will services. We’ll examine the features, pricing, pros, cons, and compare it to the traditional route of hiring an estate planning attorney. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether LegalZoom provides the robust and reliable solution you need to protect your legacy and loved ones.
Overview of LegalZoom’s Estate Planning Services
LegalZoom offers a range of options for preparing essential estate planning documents. Their most common offerings include:
| Document | Purpose | LegalZoom Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Last Will and Testament | Directs who inherits your property and names guardians for minor children. | Available as a standalone product or bundled. |
| Revocable Living Trust | Holds assets to avoid probate, provides privacy, and can offer greater control over asset distribution. | Available in their comprehensive Estate Plan Bundle. |
| Financial Power of Attorney (POA) | Grants someone authority to manage your finances if you become incapacitated. | Included in many Will and Trust packages. |
| Living Will (Advance Directive) | Specifies your healthcare wishes if you cannot communicate them yourself. | Included in many Will and Trust packages. |
Pricing and Package Structure
LegalZoom’s pricing is structured to offer different levels of support. Note: Prices are estimates and subject to change by LegalZoom.
| Package/Document | Estimated Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Last Will & Testament (Basic) | ~$89 – $99 | Will document, basic guidance. |
| Last Will & Testament (Comprehensive) | ~$179 – $199 | Will, Financial POA, Living Will, 1 year of legal support. |
| Revocable Living Trust Package | ~$329 – $499 | Trust, Pour-Over Will, Financial POA, Living Will. |
| Estate Plan Bundle (Subscription) | Varies, typically includes legal advice for a monthly fee. | Most comprehensive—Trust, Will, other documents, and ongoing access to an attorney for questions. |
Pros of Using LegalZoom
- Brand Recognition and Trust: LegalZoom is a massive, established brand. This provides a certain level of reassurance and security in knowing they have helped millions of customers.
- Comprehensive Document Suite: They don’t just offer Wills; you can secure your entire estate plan—Trusts, POAs, and Living Wills—all in one place.
- Attorney Support Options: Unlike some competitors, LegalZoom offers plans that include access to independent attorneys for personalized advice, which can be invaluable for complex estates.
- Simple, Guided Process: The interview format guides you through each question, explaining legal terms in simple language.
Cons of Using LegalZoom
- Higher Cost Than Competitors: LegalZoom often costs significantly more than other top-tier online estate planning platforms, especially for their Trust packages.
- Upselling: Users frequently report a heavy push for expensive add-ons and subscription services during the checkout process.
- Limited Customization: While the process is guided, complex situations (like blended families or special needs trusts) may require an attorney, and the online forms might not offer the necessary flexibility.
- Ongoing Legal Fees: The most valuable feature—access to legal advice—often requires purchasing a separate, recurring subscription.
⚠️ Important Note: An online Will or Trust is only valid if you follow the state-specific signing and witnessing requirements. LegalZoom provides these instructions, but the responsibility to execute the documents correctly (e.g., finding notaries or witnesses) falls entirely on the user.
How LegalZoom Compares to an Estate Planning Attorney
| Feature | LegalZoom (Online Service) | Estate Planning Attorney (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low (hundreds of dollars) | High (thousands of dollars) |
| Time | Quick, can be completed in an hour or two. | Slower, requires scheduled meetings. |
| Complexity | Best for simple, straightforward estates. | Necessary for complex estates, high-net-worth individuals, and unique family situations. |
| Legal Advice | Limited, often requires a paid subscription add-on. | Personalized, one-on-one legal counsel. |
| Document Validity | Valid if signed/witnessed correctly by the user. | Attorney ensures documents are drafted and executed according to state law. |
The Verdict: Who Should Use LegalZoom Trust & Will?
LegalZoom is a reliable and reputable choice for many individuals, but it is not the cheapest option on the market.
- ✅ Use LegalZoom if:
- You have a simple, straightforward financial situation.
- You value brand recognition and a one-stop shop for all your legal needs.
- You are willing to pay a premium for the option to add on attorney consultation.
- ❌ Avoid LegalZoom if:
- You are looking for the most affordable online solution.
- Your estate involves complex trusts, business interests, or significant assets across multiple states. In this case, an in-person attorney is strongly recommended.
In summary, LegalZoom offers a professional gateway to estate planning. For those with basic needs and a healthy budget, the service provides peace of mind and all the necessary documents to secure your future.
