LegalZoom has been a household name in online legal services since the early 2000s. Unlike startups that focus narrowly on estate planning, LegalZoom is more of a “one-stop shop” for legal documents. Everything from forming an LLC to drafting a will can be accomplished. That broad scope makes it appealing to people who want the reassurance of a big brand. On Reddit, a few users say they picked LegalZoom simply because “it was the only name I’d heard of and I didn’t want to screw this up.”
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths include name recognition, attorney access, and the ability to handle more than just wills and estates. Weaknesses are mostly cost and upselling. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, LegalZoom may not be your favorite. If you want backup and reassurance, it might be worth it.
Compare Online Will Makers
Process and Ease of Use
LegalZoom’s willmaker is designed to be simple: you answer a series of questions, and it generates the document for you. Compared to Quicken WillMaker, it feels smoother and more user-friendly, though not as modern and polished as Trust & Will. The big differentiator is the option to add attorney review and live legal help. One Redditor mentioned they liked having “someone I could actually talk to instead of just software spitting out a form.” That said, some users find the upsell prompts to be constant and annoying, especially when trying to complete a basic will.
Costs and Fees
Pricing is higher than DIY-only competitors:
- Last Will & Testament: starts around $199
- Living Trusts: can run $279+
- Attorney review/add-ons: available at extra cost
- Legal Advantage plan: $39.99/month for ongoing attorney access
The fees add up quickly if you want more than the basics. As one Reddit user put it, “I felt like I was nickel-and-dimed for every little thing.” Still, others argue that the peace of mind of having real legal backup makes it worth the extra spend.
Product Options
LegalZoom covers:
- Last Will & Testament
- Living Trusts
- Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Directives
- Guardianship documents
The difference here is flexibility: you can get just the will, or you can upgrade to bundles that include more documents. And if you’re already using LegalZoom for a business or LLC, it can feel convenient to handle your will in the same place.
Customer Experience
Reviews are mixed, leaning positive. The Better Business Bureau rates LegalZoom an A+, and customers frequently commend the professionalism of the attorney support. On the other hand, many Reddit users complain about confusing pricing or subscription charges that they forgot to cancel. One person said they “loved the attorney consult, hated the fact that I had to call three times to cancel the monthly plan.” For people who only want a single will with no ongoing costs, this can be frustrating.
Comparisons
Compared to Trust & Will, LegalZoom feels more corporate and less “friendly,” but it offers live attorney support that Trust & Will lacks. Compared to Quicken WillMaker, it’s far more expensive but also more flexible for individuals who require professional guidance. The trade-off is clear: affordability versus peace of mind.
Our Rating
We compared LegalZoom to the best online will makers. Here’s how it ranked:
- Customer Experience: 8.0 / 10
- Costs & Fees: 6.5 / 10
- Product Options: 8.5 / 10
- Ease of Process: 8.0 / 10
- Overall Score: 7.8 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Online Will Makers
| Recommended For | Company | Price | Key Features | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Families | Trust & Will | $159+ | Wills, trusts, healthcare directives, guardianship, attorney add-ons | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Modern Estate Planning | GoodTrust | $149+ one-time | Will, trust, POA, healthcare directives, funeral planning, digital vault | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Thorough Offering | Quicken WillMaker | $99/year | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, final arrangements | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Attorney Access | LegalZoom | $199+ | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, optional attorney review | 7.8 | Make a Will |
| Best for Free Starter Wills | FreeWill | $0 | Will, POA, healthcare directive, charitable bequests | 8.3 | Make a Will |
Final Thoughts
LegalZoom is best suited for individuals who value the security of a large, established brand and are willing to pay extra for attorney involvement. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s one of the most versatile. If you value live support and don’t mind subscription fees, it’s a strong pick. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable will, there are better options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about LegalZoom’s will maker.
A basic will starts at around $199, with living trusts and bundles costing more. Add-ons, such as attorney review, increase the total.
Yes, LegalZoom offers optional attorney review and ongoing legal help through its Legal Advantage subscription plan.
It can be, but it’s more expensive than DIY-focused services. Many users say it’s better for those who want extra reassurance and legal guidance.
Yes, but some customers report frustration with canceling, so be sure to follow up and confirm their cancellation.
It’s best for individuals who want attorney involvement and are willing to pay extra for a brand that offers more comprehensive legal coverage beyond estate planning.
