LegalZoom Review

Introduction

Start your retirement business the right way—legally secure and stress-free. LegalZoom helps entrepreneurs 55+ form LLCs, register trademarks, and stay compliant without high attorney fees. Founded in 2001 and trusted by 4 million+ customers, it blends DIY affordability with professional legal backup—perfect for retirees who want confidence, not complexity. Whether you're launching a consulting practice or exploring new business opportunities, LegalZoom removes the intimidation factor from legal requirements while giving you control of the process.

 

Key Features & Benefits

• Launch legally in days, not weeks. Guided LLC and corporation formation with plain-English steps customized for your state. You avoid costly filing errors while maintaining full control of the process.

• Ask real attorneys, affordably. Pro plan includes 30 days of unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations for questions about structure, tax implications, or compliance issues. This is ideal for blending business income with retirement income planning.

• Never miss a deadline again. Automatic compliance reminders for annual reports and renewals keep your business in good standing. You focus on running your business instead of tracking government filing dates.

• Safeguard your brand and intellectual property. Trademark and copyright services protect your business name, logo, and creative work. This is essential for consultants and coaches building authority in their field.

• Get everything in one place. EIN application, operating agreement, and startup checklist included with Pro and Premium packages. You're ready to open bank accounts immediately after approval.

• Access business management tools with Premium. Six months of bookkeeping software, automated income/expense tracking, and professional proposal templates help you run your business efficiently from day one.

• Proven track record you can trust. 20+ years of credibility, A+ BBB rating, and millions of satisfied customers give you confidence. You're working with an established company, not experimenting with an unknown startup.

Form your LLC this week—start client work next.

 

Pricing

Plan	Cost	What's Included	Best For
Basic	$0 + state fees	Articles of organization, name availability check, filing service, email/chat support, tax consultation from 1-800Accountant	Testing a business idea with minimal upfront investment
Pro ⭐ Recommended	$249 + state fees	Everything in Basic plus operating agreement, EIN application, 30 days of unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, access to 150+ business document library, eSignatures, phone support	Most retirepreneurs needing proper documentation and legal guidance
Premium	$299 + state fees	Everything in Pro plus 6 months of bookkeeping software, automated income/expense tracking, professional proposals and invoices	Businesses wanting integrated financial management tools

Important notes:

• State filing fees vary by location (typically $50-500) and are additional to all package costs
• Basic plan advertised at $0, though upsells and add-ons may increase the effective total
• The Pro plan pays for itself if it saves you one hour of attorney time
• Optional services: Registered agent ($249/year—higher than some competitors), annual report filing ($55+ state fees)
• Pricing and inclusions may change; verify current details on LegalZoom's website

Our recommendation: The Pro plan offers the best value for most retirepreneurs. You get essential documents like the operating agreement and EIN, plus 30 days of attorney consultations and access to a comprehensive business document library. The Premium package makes sense if you need integrated bookkeeping tools from day one, but most consultants and service businesses can start with Pro and add financial software later if needed.

 

Pros & Cons

 

How It Works

1. Choose your structure and select a package.
   Answer a few questions about your business type (LLC, corporation, etc.); the system recommends the best package for your needs.

2. Complete the guided questionnaire with business details.
   Provide your business name, registered agent information, ownership structure, and state-specific requirements. Plain-language explanations clarify every step.

3. LegalZoom prepares and files your documents with the state.
   Your information is formatted into proper legal documents and submitted to the appropriate government office. You receive status updates by email.

4. Access your documents and EIN immediately.
   Once approved by the state, approved files are stored in your secure dashboard. Everything you need to open business bank accounts is ready.

5. Stay compliant with dashboard tracking.
   The platform monitors required filings and sends reminders for annual reports, renewals, and deadlines automatically. You can purchase additional services as your business grows.

 

Comparison with Competition

Feature	LegalZoom	ZenBusiness	Rocket Lawyer
Starting Cost	$0 + state fees	$0 + state fees	$20/month subscription required
Attorney Access	✅ 30 days included in Pro	❌ Not included	✅ Included with subscription
Operating Agreement	✅ Included in Pro tier	✅ Included in Pro tier	✅ Included with subscription
Registered Agent (Year 1)	❌ $249 additional	✅ Free first year	✅ Included with subscription
Document Library	✅ 150+ templates in Pro	❌ Limited templates	✅ Extensive library included
Estate Planning Services	✅ Wills, trusts, and more	❌ Limited options	✅ Basic document templates

The bottom line: Choose LegalZoom if you want one trusted provider for formation, trademark protection, estate planning coordination, and temporary attorney access during your critical setup period. Choose ZenBusiness for the absolute lowest-cost LLC-only formation with free first-year registered agent. Choose Rocket Lawyer if you prefer ongoing monthly subscription access to document templates and continuous legal advice across multiple areas.

 

Testimonials

"At 62, I started my consulting practice after retiring from corporate. LegalZoom's step-by-step process made LLC formation completely stress-free. The operating agreement template was especially helpful since I'm bringing on a part-time partner. Within two weeks I had everything filed and could focus on landing clients."
— Margaret Chen, Business Strategy Consultant

"As someone who's not tech-savvy, I was nervous about doing this online. But LegalZoom's interface was surprisingly easy to navigate. When I had questions about registered agent requirements, their support team explained everything clearly. The investment in the Pro package saved me what would've been thousands in attorney fees."
— Robert Martinez, Commercial Real Estate Advisor

 

Final Verdict

LegalZoom provides the perfect middle ground between DIY filings and full attorney retainers. For retirepreneurs seeking peace of mind, its guided process and Pro plan's attorney consultation period deliver professional results without overwhelm. The platform balances do-it-yourself affordability with access to licensed attorneys and comprehensive business tools, making it ideal for retirement business ventures that need proper structure from day one. While not the cheapest option—especially for registered agent services—the comprehensive service range and proven track record justify the premium for serious entrepreneurs.

✅ Best for: Retirepreneurs launching consulting practices, service businesses, or ventures requiring trademark protection who value comprehensive support, temporary attorney access during setup, and extensive document libraries over rock-bottom pricing.

❌ Not ideal for: Ultra-budget entrepreneurs with simple LLC needs who won't use attorney consultations, document libraries, or additional legal services like trademarks and estate planning.

💡 Ready to establish your retirement business the right way? Visit LegalZoom to compare packages and get started with professional formation services that give you legal confidence from day one. Even one avoided legal mistake can save you ten times the cost of formation.

👉 Start with LegalZoom

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✅ Frequently Asked Questions

Is LegalZoom affordable for retirees on a fixed income?

Yes—the Basic package starts at $0 plus state fees (typically $50-500 depending on your state). Comparable attorney services typically run $1,500-3,000 for business formation. The Pro package at $249 provides better value with essential documents like operating agreements, EIN applications, and 30 days of attorney consultations included. Consider this a one-time investment in proper business foundation rather than an ongoing expense.

How difficult is LegalZoom to use if I'm not comfortable with technology?

The platform is designed specifically for non-lawyers and includes step-by-step guidance with plain-English explanations throughout. Each question includes help text and examples to clarify what's being asked. Phone support is available with Pro and Premium packages if you prefer talking through questions rather than typing. Most retirees find the interface intuitive and straightforward.

How long does the LLC formation process take?

LegalZoom typically prepares and submits your documents within 1-2 business days after you complete the questionnaire. State processing time varies from 1-6 weeks depending on your location and whether you pay for expedited filing. You'll receive email updates on your application status throughout the process so you always know where things stand.

How does LegalZoom compare to hiring a local attorney?

LegalZoom costs 60-80% less than traditional attorney services for straightforward business formation. You sacrifice personalized face-to-face strategy discussions but gain speed, convenience, and significant cost savings. The platform works best for standard structures; complex partnerships or unique situations may still benefit from direct attorney consultation, which LegalZoom offers as an add-on service.

What kind of customer support does LegalZoom provide?

Email and chat support are included with all packages for basic questions. Pro and Premium tiers add phone support for direct assistance when you need it. The Pro package includes 30 days of unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, while Premium focuses on bookkeeping tools and business management features. Response times are generally good, though some users report occasional delays during peak filing periods.

Can I change my business structure later if my needs evolve?

Yes, though converting between structures (like LLC to corporation) requires additional state filing and costs. LegalZoom can assist with conversions, amendments, and other changes as your business grows and your needs become more clear. This is why choosing the right structure initially matters—take time to understand your long-term plans before submitting your application.

Does LegalZoom handle ongoing compliance requirements after formation?

Yes—LegalZoom provides compliance tracking and reminders through your account dashboard to help you maintain good standing. Annual report filing is available as an add-on service ($55 plus state fees) if you want hands-off compliance management. The registered agent service ($249/year) handles official correspondence and ensures you don't miss important legal notices. These ongoing services help you stay compliant without constant monitoring.