When starting a new business, choosing the right registered agent is crucial in ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations.
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LegalZoom is one of the most trusted names in the legal industry, known for offering a comprehensive suite of services for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their registered agent services simplify the process of selecting a registered agent and ensure that businesses remain compliant with state laws.
Below, we look at LegalZoom’s registered agent services, exploring their features, pricing, and customer support. Whether you are forming a new LLC or need to change your current registered agent, this review should provide you with the information you need to decide whether LegalZoom’s registered agent services are right for your business.
Contents
Quick Overview
Pros
- A reliable, trustworthy, and experienced company
- Registered agent service includes premium features
- Access to an independent network of attorneys
- Robust customer support
Cons
- Costs more than competitors
- Registered agent service is an add-on to its business formation plans
Company Overview
LegalZoom was established in 2001 to make legal help more accessible. Over the years, the tech company has gained a reputation as a leading provider of online legal services, offering a suite of services that help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
By 2010, LegalZoom also created an independent network of attorneys to provide personalized legal services to clients. These services include but are not limited to wills and trusts, real estate, divorce, and name changes.
For businesses, however, LegalZoom’s offerings cover registering your business, running it, and protecting your brand. One of LegalZoom’s standout services is business formation, which makes it easy for entrepreneurs to form a new business entity. LegalZoom offers a range of formation options, including LLCs, corporations (C corp and S corp), and nonprofit organizations, each tailored to fit the unique needs of businesses of all sizes.
Another area where LegalZoom excels is its trademark registration, aimed at helping businesses protect their brand and intellectual property. With LegalZoom, business owners can file for a trademark quickly and efficiently, with the guidance of experienced trademark attorneys. Aside from trademark registration, the company also offers utility patents, provisional patent applications, and copyright registration.
Last but not least, LegalZoom offers registered agents, which are critical services for businesses. Registered agents ensure companies remain compliant with state laws by designating a registered agent to receive important legal documents and government notices on their behalf.
Pricing and Features
Why should you get a registered agent? How much does it cost to avail of LegalZoom’s registered agent services?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and government notices on behalf of a business. The registered agent’s responsibilities include receiving legal process documents such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and other legal notices, as well as forwarding them to the appropriate person within the business.
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In most states, it is a legal requirement for a business to have a registered agent. Failure to designate one can result in serious consequences, including fines and legal liabilities.
LegalZoom charges an all-in $299 a year for its registered agent service. Compared with its competitors, the pricing is on the higher end. However, LegalZoom does offer additional features that make it a more premium option.
When you choose LegalZoom as your registered agent, you receive a suite of tools, including a compliance calendar, unlimited cloud storage for your documents, and alerts for important mail. LegalZoom will also provide a courtesy call before sending any court documents. Moreover, you get $1M in identity theft protection and credit monitoring. And since the company has its network of attorneys, you have quick access to personal legal advice.
However, it’s worth noting that the registered agent service is distinct from the company’s business formation plan. If you’re forming an LLC, pricing starts at $79 plus applicable state filing fees. Registered agent services are considered an add-on to a business formation plan, which means additional costs. But if you’re switching to LegalZoom as your registered agent, they will handle paperwork with the state and cover the fees.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
LegalZoom’s platform is user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners who may not have a legal background. The company’s intuitive interface guides clients through each step, from selecting the appropriate business structure to filing the necessary paperwork.
If you formed your business elsewhere and are signing up for a registered agent with LegalZoom, the process only requires filling in information about your business. This simplicity ensures that even first-time entrepreneurs can navigate the process with ease.
Moreover, LegalZoom offers robust customer support. Clients get access to a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive knowledge base and online chat support. LegalZoom’s experienced legal professionals are also available to answer any questions or concerns clients may have throughout the process. This level of support can be especially valuable for clients who may be navigating the complex legal landscape for the first time.
LegalZoom also underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction. If a client is not satisfied with the service they receive, they can contact LegalZoom’s customer service team within 60 days of purchase to receive a full refund.
Customer Reviews
LegalZoom is one of the larger online legal technology and services companies today. They have serviced over 3.5 million businesses and provided over 650,000 consultations courtesy of their independent network of attorneys.
Given the size of LegalZoom, it’s not surprising reviews are mixed. However, this is to be expected. As the number of customers increases, the likelihood of some of them being dissatisfied also increases. Below, we’ve compiled the ratings of LegalZoom from their customers.
- Better Business Bureau — 4.63 of 5 stars (6,000+ reviews)
- Site Jabber — 3.4 of 5 stars (1,000+ reviews)
- Consumer Affairs — 4.5 of 5 stars (400+ reviews)
- Trustpilot — 4.6 of 5 stars; Excellent (2,600+ reviews)
Customer Testimonials
“I was fortunate enough to have Anthony as my agent. Man was he awesome. Respectful and listened. Wasn’t pushy and didn’t come off as a salesperson. After 39 mins of talking, I felt like family and not just some other person! Absolutely impressed with his communication skills!” — Trey (April 2023) via Trustpilot
“I used LegalZoom’s service to get my LLC. All things considered, they did a really good job walking me through what was required. While I could do with less of the upselling to the various services, I also understand that some of those services are beneficial to those who might need the extra help.” — Kevin (February 2023) via Trustpilot
“My experience with Legal Zoom, was professional, efficient and I worked with a very friendly staff!” — Cheryl M. (January 2023) via Better Business Bureau
“The phone representative I spoke with was good at methodically explaining the benefits of the product I was considering without having me feel pressured into making a decision on the spot, so I can give them 5 stars!” — Eric C. (October 2021) via Site Jabber
“Filed my trademark through LegalZoom. They got it done fast and without much fuss, and that’s all there is to say about it, which is a good thing. Just watch out for any additional trial services they may sign you up for, and be proactive in canceling them before they start charging. Fortunately for me, they have a very generous return policy (though I did have to press them a little to get a full refund). — Samuel W. (October 2017) via Site Jabber
Verdict
LegalZoom is one of the most established companies offering reliable legal consultation and services. With decades of experience and millions of clients, it’s also one of the more trustworthy names in the industry. Given this background, LegalZoom’s services, including its registered agent services, typically cost more than the competition.
Unlike other companies, LegalZoom registered agent services are not separate from business formation plans. This means if you want to register a business with the company, getting a registered agent, which is mandatory in most states, incurs additional costs. However, LegalZoom justifies its pricing with premium features. The company offers timely alerts, cloud storage, identity protection, local document scans, and privacy.
Plus, the presence of LegalZoom’s independent network of attorneys makes it a one-stop shop platform. If you’re willing to pay for convenience and efficiency, LegalZoom’s registered agent services are a compelling option.
Avail of LegalZoom's services for solutions handled with expertise and efficiency.