Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

What has been your experience, good and bad with legalzoom.com? 
Is it worth it?  I mean they seem very cheap compared to an actual lawyer.  What`s the benefit and disadvantages of this site?

I`d love to hear people`s experience with them. I`m wondering if I should go LLC or stick with sole-prop. /confused

It is very cheap compared to an actual lawyer because there is no legal advice being given.  Hire a lawyer or do it yourself.  Legal Zoom is a waste.  It is a "middle man" that really adds nothing.  I personally have made some dough from people asking me to "fix" legal things that were much more expensive than doing them right the first time.

-------------------------

James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

I’m not sure if I would go as far as saying that LegalZoom.com is a waste.

I think their services might be helpful in creating a starting point for addressing a number of legal issues. Also, it’s my understanding that since they’re customizing documents based on input provided by the user, it’s probably fair to assume that they are rendering some sort of legal advice.

On the flipside I do agree with Philip (patentandtrademark) in that the value they’re adding is probably minimal, because it won’t amount to a bilateral professional consultation.

I think it depends on your situation, background, budget, and willingness to research the issue you’re dealing with to assess if using LegalZoom.com makes sense or not. For a lot people, especially those who are not comfortable dealing with legal issues themselves, it’s probably better than nothing.

Those, who are accustomed to researching issues including legal, tax, and financial issues, in order to develop a more fundamental understanding, perhaps even prior to turning it over to an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, they can probably do so using a number of free venues including FindLaw.com.

I hope this helps.


Mark
 



-------------------------


Jackson Steiner
http://www.JacksonSteiner.com

Advanced Document Design for entrepreneurs, intermediaries, and the financial services industry.
http://www.Publications.FastVentures.com

As far as your post is concerned, Shawn, I think you should think about incorporating your business regardless of whether or not you plan on using LegalZoom.com to incorporate.

Even if you incorporate as a LLC, you will create an effective shield that can protect you from potential personal liabilities. Given, that the costs associated with creating such a shield barely exceed $100 -$150, I think it’s a no brainer and a good investment.

I hope this helps.



Mark



-------------------------


Jackson Steiner
http://www.JacksonSteiner.com

Advanced Document Design for entrepreneurs, intermediaries, and the financial services industry.
http://www.Publications.FastVentures.com

Rosemary,


It really depends on what you are looking to accomplish. If it`s just a general everyday contract i.e. a will, a corporation, a basic rental agreement then legal zoom may be a good option for you. But if your situation is at all complex or complicated, if there is anything you don`t understand about the process or if large amounts of money is at risk or involved, then I would talk to an attorney.

The advantages of using legal zoom is cost and speed. You do get legally binding documents and usually have them ready to download immediately.

The disadvantages are that their contracts are the most generic you could possibly get away with. Having an attorney draft a document for you ensures that they are looking at your specific best interest and protection.

If you can tell me what you were looking at legal zoom for I could tell you further if I think it`s wise but it would only be my personally opinion. 






-------------------------

Shawn,

You should talk to your accountant about what would be the best legal structure for you and your business.

In most cases, I would say a corporation or LLC is a good option but there may be factors in your personal situation that makes that no a good idea. Usually because the business is too small or at the beginning stages of development. But there may be other reasons. Talk to your account.



-------------------------

Thanks for the feed back!

It's meant for people with a limited budget. Don't expect to have a prompt service but rest assured you will be served what it's worth.

-------------------------

Seo Consultant | Rattan | Microsoft Dynamics Nav | Autism Singapore | Industrial For Rent | Business Park | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore

I have never had a chance to use their services but I think these days many legal firms are offering legal services online at comparatively lower rates than an actual lawyer. The communication process might be a tad slower but it can save you a lot of money.

Visit LegalCraft for all your will envelopes requirements.

Johan