When it comes to planning for the future, a living trust can be an important tool for managing your assets and ensuring that your wishes are carried out.
However, setting up a living trust can be a complicated and time-consuming process, which is why many people turn to online legal services like LegalZoom for help.
Protect your assets within the family and away from legal disputes. Book a call with LegalZoom's lawyers for exceptional legal guidance.
Below we review LegalZoom’s living trust services to help you determine if they are a good fit for your needs. We’ll explore the features and benefits of LegalZoom’s living trust packages, as well as any drawbacks or limitations.
Contents
Comparison Chart
| LegalZoom Living Trust | Basic Living Trust | Comprehensive Living Trust | Estate Plan Bundle |
| Price | $279 | $299 | $399 (for 1 person) |
| Living Trust | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Attorney Assist | No | Yes | Yes |
| Financial Power of Attorney | No | No | Yes |
| Living Will | No | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Revisions | For 30 days | For 30 days | For 1 year |
LegalZoom Overview
LegalZoom is an online legal services company established in 2001, with the vision of making legal services accessible and affordable to individuals and small businesses.
The company is known for its wide range of services, including business formation, trademark registration, and legal advice, all of which are designed to simplify the legal process for its customers.
An often overlooked offering of LegalZoom is its comprehensive living trust services, which provide individuals with the opportunity to establish a legally binding trust to protect their assets and loved ones.
The living trust services offered by LegalZoom are designed to provide peace of mind and protection for families, allowing individuals to create a customized estate plan that aligns with their unique needs and wishes.
LegalZoom also employs a team of experienced attorneys to review and assist with legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local laws. This attention to detail, combined with their user-friendly platform, makes LegalZoom stand out in the online legal services space.
Living Trust Plans, Features, and Pricing
Whether you’re looking for a basic living trust or a more comprehensive estate plan, LegalZoom has you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the three living trust packages offered by LegalZoom:
Basic Living Trust ($279)
- Perfect for those who want a do-it-yourself option with easy personalization.
- Includes a step-by-step guide to help you create your living trust.
- Enjoy unlimited revisions for 30 days, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
Recommended for: Individuals who are comfortable with DIY legal documents and want a simple, no-frills living trust option.
Comprehensive Living Trust ($299)
- Includes everything from the Basic Living Trust plan, plus additional benefits.
- Offers two weeks of Attorney Assist, which allows you to get legal questions related to your living trust answered by LegalZoom’s network of attorneys.
- Attorney Assist renews monthly at $25, but you have the flexibility to cancel anytime.
Recommended for: Those who want the benefits of a DIY living trust, but also want the added security of having access to legal advice from qualified attorneys for a limited time.
Protect your assets within the family and away from legal disputes. Book a call with LegalZoom's lawyers for exceptional legal guidance.
Estate Plan Bundle ($399)
- Offers a comprehensive three-document package, including a living trust, living will, and financial power of attorney.
- Includes a year of attorney advice to assist you with revisions and other legal issues even after signing your paperwork.
- The bundle’s Attorney Assist renews annually at $199, providing ongoing legal support.
Recommended for: Those who want a complete estate planning solution with multiple legal documents and extended access to attorneys for ongoing guidance and support.
Living Trust vs Living Will
When it comes to estate planning, two commonly used terms are often confused: living trust and living will. While they share similarities, they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits.
A living trust is a legal document that allows you to transfer your assets, such as property, investments, and bank accounts, into a trust during your lifetime. You can serve as the trustee and manage the trust, and designate beneficiaries who will receive the assets upon your death.
A living trust offers several advantages, including:
- Avoidance of probate: Assets held in a living trust bypass the probate process, which can be time-consuming, costly, and public. This allows for a smoother and more private transfer of assets to beneficiaries.
- Flexibility and control: With a living trust, you have the flexibility to modify or revoke the trust during your lifetime, giving you greater control over your assets.
- Incapacity planning: A living trust can also include provisions for managing your assets in case of incapacity, ensuring that your financial affairs are taken care of according to your wishes.
On the other hand, a living will is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. It typically addresses end-of-life care, such as life-sustaining treatment, and outlines your preferences for medical interventions.
In general, a living trust is recommended for individuals who have significant assets, own multiple properties, or want to maintain privacy and control over their estate. A living will, on the other hand, is essential for anyone who wants to ensure their medical treatment preferences are respected in case of incapacity.
While both a living trust and living will are important components of estate planning, they serve different purposes. Understanding the differences between them can help you make informed decisions about which documents are best suited for your unique estate planning needs.
Consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney can provide you with personalized guidance to ensure your wishes are carried out according to your preferences.
Verdict
If you’re looking to create a living trust, LegalZoom offers three different plans to suit your needs. We recommend the Comprehensive Living Trust plan as the best option for most people. This plan includes all the basic documents needed to create a living trust, along with two weeks’ worth of legal advice, making it a comprehensive and cost-effective solution.
For those who only need a living trust, the Basic Living Trust plan should suffice. However, it’s important to note that this plan doesn’t include legal advice. So, if you need guidance in creating your trust, the Comprehensive Living Trust plan is the way to go.
Protect your assets within the family and away from legal disputes. Book a call with LegalZoom's lawyers for exceptional legal guidance.
Finally, if you’re looking for a complete estate planning solution, the Estate Plan Bundle is worth considering. This plan includes a living trust, a last will and testament, a power of attorney, and other important documents. However, it’s also the most expensive option of the three.
At the end of the day, deciding whether to use LegalZoom for your living trust comes down to a few key factors: your personal situation, your level of comfort with DIY legal services, and your budget.