Legalshield vs Legalzoom vs Rocket Lawyer: Which Is Best?
Struggling with legal issues? You’re not alone. Navigating the complexities of law can be daunting, but thankfully, there are services designed to help. Two popular options are LegalShield and LegalZoom, each offering different approaches to legal assistance and potentially saving you a fortune.
This comparison dives deep into the world of online legal services, helping you understand the key differences. We’ll explore the features, pricing, and overall value of both LegalShield and LegalZoom. We will also compare them to Rocket Lawyer to give you a complete overview.
Whether you’re starting a business, dealing with a personal matter, or simply seeking legal advice, choosing the right service is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of LegalShield vs LegalZoom vs Rocket Lawyer, empowering you to make an informed decision and find the perfect legal solution for your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | LegalShield | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Attorneys | Yes | Yes |
| Legal Document Review | Yes | Yes |
| Legal Advice Over Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Estate Planning | Yes | Yes |
| Business Formation | Yes | Yes |
| Document Creation Tools | Limited | Yes |
| Registered Agent Service | Yes | Yes |
| Identity Theft Protection | Included | Add-on |
| Trial Period | No | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage for Personal Legal Matters | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage for Business Legal Matters | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cost & Pricing
- Legalshield: LegalShield operates on a subscription model with monthly fees. They offer different plans, including personal, business, and family options, with varying levels of legal services. The cost is generally lower upfront, but ongoing subscription fees are required. This can be cost-effective if you need regular legal assistance, but may be more expensive if you only need occasional services.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom offers a mix of individual services and subscription plans. You can purchase specific legal documents or services à la carte or opt for a membership. Prices vary widely depending on the service, with à la carte options often having higher initial costs. The pricing structure can be confusing, but offers flexibility depending on your needs.
- Winner: LegalShield
Legal Advice & Consultation
- Legalshield: LegalShield members typically have access to attorney consultations on covered legal matters. This often includes phone consultations and document review. The access to an attorney is a significant benefit, providing direct advice and guidance. However, the scope of covered matters is defined by the plan.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom provides some limited legal advice through their attorney network, often through initial consultations. This access may be included in certain plans or available as an add-on. The level of advice available can be less extensive than with LegalShield, depending on the service purchased.
- Winner: LegalShield
Document Creation
- Legalshield: LegalShield provides access to document review and consultation regarding existing legal documents but does not focus on document generation.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom excels at document creation, offering a wide array of templates and online tools to generate legal documents such as wills, trusts, and business formation documents. This is a core strength, making it easier for users to create necessary legal paperwork.
- Winner: Legalzoom
Attorney Network Access
- Legalshield: LegalShield provides access to a network of attorneys, often within your local area, who are available to assist with legal matters. Members can consult with these attorneys and receive legal support. The attorney network is a key feature and a major selling point.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom offers a network of attorneys available for consultations and legal advice, but with more limited access than LegalShield. The level of attorney access varies depending on the specific service or plan.
- Winner: LegalShield
Business Formation Services
- Legalshield: LegalShield offers business legal services as part of its business plans but is not the primary focus of their business.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom provides comprehensive business formation services, including LLC formation, incorporation, and registered agent services. This is a core competency and a key offering for entrepreneurs.
- Winner: Legalzoom
Customer Support
- Legalshield: LegalShield provides customer support to its members, but the quality of support can vary depending on the specific plan and attorney.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom provides customer support through various channels, including phone and email, to assist with document creation and service questions.
- Winner: Legalzoom
Coverage Scope
- Legalshield: LegalShield’s coverage scope is defined by the subscription plan. This can include a wide range of legal matters, but some services may be excluded. The breadth of coverage depends on the plan selected.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom’s coverage scope is limited to the specific services purchased. You pay for what you need, rather than a broad range of legal services.
- Winner: LegalShield
Contract Review
- Legalshield: LegalShield members often have access to contract review services as part of their plan. They can submit contracts for review by an attorney. This is a valuable feature for members.
- Legalzoom: LegalZoom offers contract review services, either as a standalone service or included in some membership plans.
- Winner: LegalShield
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Attorney Access | LegalShield |
| Document Creation Tools | LegalZoom |
| Business Formation | LegalZoom |
| Identity Theft Protection | LegalShield |
| Overall Value | LegalShield |
What They Have in Common:
- Access to Attorneys: Both LegalShield and LegalZoom provide access to attorneys for legal advice and assistance. They both offer consultations and the ability to connect with lawyers.
- Document Review: Both platforms offer document review services, allowing users to have legal documents reviewed by professionals. This helps ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Estate Planning Services: Both LegalShield and LegalZoom provide estate planning services, including wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents. They offer tools and resources to help users plan for the future.
- Business Formation Assistance: Both companies assist with business formation, helping users navigate the process of starting a business. This includes guidance on choosing a business structure and filing the necessary paperwork.
- Online Legal Resources: Both platforms offer online legal resources, such as articles, guides, and FAQs, to help users understand legal concepts and processes. These resources are designed to educate and inform users.
Legal Services Buying Guide
Cost and Pricing
When comparing LegalShield, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer, cost is a primary consideration. LegalShield operates on a membership model, offering access to attorneys for a monthly fee. This can be cost-effective if you anticipate frequent legal needs. LegalZoom offers a mix of à la carte services and subscription plans, with prices varying based on the complexity of the legal task. Rocket Lawyer provides both free and paid options, including document templates and attorney consultations. Carefully assess your budget and the frequency of your legal requirements to determine the most economical choice.
Service Scope and Availability
The scope of services varies among these platforms. LegalShield primarily focuses on providing access to attorneys for consultations and representation, covering areas like traffic tickets and estate planning. LegalZoom offers a broader range, including business formation, intellectual property protection, and estate planning. Rocket Lawyer provides document templates, legal advice, and attorney services but may have a more limited selection compared to LegalZoom. Assess your specific legal needs to ensure the chosen platform offers the necessary services.
Attorney Access and Quality
Access to qualified attorneys is critical. LegalShield connects members with attorneys within their network, offering personalized support. LegalZoom allows you to consult with attorneys, although the interaction may be more transactional. Rocket Lawyer provides attorney consultations, but the depth of support might vary. Research the experience and expertise of the attorneys available through each service. Check reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of their legal counsel and customer service to make an informed decision.
Document Creation and Templates
Document templates are a valuable resource for many legal needs. Rocket Lawyer excels in this area, offering a vast library of customizable legal documents for various purposes. LegalZoom also provides document creation tools, but the selection might not be as extensive. LegalShield focuses less on DIY document creation, emphasizing attorney-assisted services. Consider the availability and ease of use of document templates if you prefer to handle some legal tasks independently. The quality and customization options are important considerations.
Customer Support and User Experience
Reliable customer support is crucial for navigating legal complexities. LegalShield provides customer support to assist members with accessing legal services and addressing concerns. LegalZoom offers customer service for its various offerings, including assistance with document creation and account management. Rocket Lawyer provides customer support to users of its platform and services, including document assistance. Evaluate the responsiveness, helpfulness, and accessibility of customer support channels when choosing a legal service provider.
Business Formation Services
For entrepreneurs, business formation services are essential. LegalZoom offers comprehensive business formation packages, including assistance with choosing a business structure, registering your business, and obtaining an EIN. Rocket Lawyer also provides business formation services, but the range of options may be slightly less extensive. LegalShield offers some business-related legal services through its attorney network. Compare the available services, pricing, and support to determine the best fit for your business needs. Consider features such as registered agent services and ongoing compliance support.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LegalShield If…
- You want unlimited access to an attorney for advice and assistance.
- You value the convenience of having a dedicated attorney available to you.
- You want comprehensive coverage for both personal and business legal matters.
- You prioritize identity theft protection as part of your legal plan.
Buy LegalZoom If…
- You prefer to create legal documents yourself with user-friendly tools.
- You need a wide variety of legal document templates and options.
- You prefer a pay-as-you-go approach to legal services.
- You want to establish a business and need help with formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between LegalShield, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer?
The primary difference lies in their service models. LegalShield operates on a membership basis, offering access to attorneys for a monthly fee. LegalZoom provides a mix of à la carte services and subscriptions. Rocket Lawyer offers both free document templates and paid attorney services. Each platform caters to different legal needs and budgets, so it’s important to evaluate which best suits your requirements.
How much do LegalShield, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer services cost?
Pricing varies significantly. LegalShield has a fixed monthly fee for membership. LegalZoom’s costs depend on the service, from one-off document purchases to subscription plans. Rocket Lawyer offers free document templates and paid services, with attorney consultations ranging in price. Consider your expected usage and budget to choose the most cost-effective option.
Which service is best for business formation?
LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer both offer comprehensive business formation services. LegalZoom provides a wider array of services and support options, including registered agent services and compliance assistance. Rocket Lawyer also has business formation services, often at a slightly lower price point. LegalShield provides business-related legal services through its attorney network, but not full formation.
How do I access an attorney with each service?
LegalShield members have direct access to attorneys within their network for consultations and representation. LegalZoom users can consult with attorneys on a pay-per-service basis. Rocket Lawyer provides attorney consultations for an additional fee or as part of its premium membership. Access methods and the level of support vary by service.
What types of legal documents can I create with these services?
Rocket Lawyer offers a vast library of document templates, including contracts, wills, and business documents. LegalZoom provides document creation tools, as well as attorney review options. LegalShield focuses less on DIY document creation and more on attorney-assisted services. The availability of documents varies by service.
What is the quality of customer support provided by each service?
LegalShield provides customer support to members for accessing legal services and addressing questions. LegalZoom offers customer service for its various products and services, including document creation and account management. Rocket Lawyer provides customer support for users of its platform and services, including document assistance. Evaluate responsiveness and helpfulness.
Can I cancel my membership or subscription?
Yes, all three services typically allow for cancellation of memberships or subscriptions. LegalShield allows cancellation of its membership. LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer offer cancellation options for their subscription plans and services. Always review the terms and conditions of service to understand the specific cancellation policies and any associated fees.
Final Verdict
LegalZoom provides a comprehensive suite of legal services, offering a balance of document creation tools and attorney consultations. Rocket Lawyer excels in document templates and affordable legal resources. LegalShield offers direct attorney access. LegalZoom provides a broader range of services and is a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive solution.
Winner: LegalZoom