LegalZoom

I recently used LegalZoom to help me form an LLC. That was a mistake. The process started with multiple delays and I actually had a representative insinuate I was lying about sending in documentation when I screenshot the sent email to prove to them I had sent it in, twice! The next day, they acknowledged they received it. Off to a great start! I ended up having to call in multiple times to resolve issues, which wasted large parts of my day on the phone with them. The original representative up-sold me to their Express Gold package, and that was another mistake. Customer service was lacking and I could not believe they would insinuate I was lying about sending documentation in. Here we are two months later and I find out there was additional documentation I needed to submit to the state, which is costing another $525. I had asked one of the numerous representatives I spoke with on the phone about the process and they never informed me of further steps. I asked to have my fees refunded for their services and of course they are unwilling to do that. The representative who responded to my request said all the documentation was in the binder that was sent, which it wasn't, and additionally if they knew there were additional steps, why wouldn't they inform me when I was asking on the phone? I went to the Secretary of State's office yesterday to find out why my LLC was in default, which is how I ultimately became aware of all these issues. They informed me that this is quite common when using an online third party for these situations. The person filing for the LLC has access to all of the documentation and steps. The entire process is known before it even starts. LegalZoom sent me an incomplete LLC and did not clearly inform of all the necessary steps. If you are looking to form an LLC, check with your state's office first. They can give you all the paperwork and inform you of the process. I found out how simple it is to complete one of these too late. Save yourself money and go check with your state first. My request for the return of my fees seemed simple and clearly justified, but unfortunately they are not willing to honor it.

I registered my business and realized the email used was wrong after it was purchased. Aimee was able to help me switch the email to correct one.

Joined with the business membership... approx $200... knowing I'd likely have both personal and business questions.

First I Was more than a little disappointed that you have to wait for an appointment, and didn't have the option... as I do on Justanswer... to submit a detailed question by text on a webform and get a written answer.

My first experience was good, asking an accounting/tax question thru the connected 1800accounting.
Answer was clear, precise. The guy was knowledgeable and helpful.

Second experience not so good.
I set up a contact with the lawyer with a tax and estate question.
First I noticed had little choice of lawyers... once I said my issue was in the state of Oregon, only one.
Second, noticed I had to choose an appointment much further out in the future then I liked, more than a week, and at a time of day inconvenient for me.

Then when he did contact me he said that my question requires a specialist. That he could not answer. Or Would not. It was actually a simple straightforward estate tax question... that probably with a bit of research... IMO in less that the 30 minutes of consult time I was entitled to... One I believe any lawyer or any careful Google searcher could answer within that 30 minutes. Instead he gave me a list of other lawyers I could contact. But I would be charged their normal hourly rates, -25% discount for being a legalzoom member. That would have been a budget breaker for me. And defeat the purpose I joined LegalZoom for.

Based on my experience with the legal question I would say JustAnswer is more useful. Much faster, often within an hour, and you get a written response, with option of talking on phone.

One advantage of legalzoom. One reason I tried... is... unlike JustAnswer... if talking with a lawyer, not an accountant... your communications are protected by lawyer-client confidentiality laws. Not so at JustAnswer when communicating with lawyers there.

I choose Legalzoom for all of my business needs. They are knowledgeable, professional and courteous. They are prompt and helpful.