
LegalZoom
$0 + state feeSee LegalZoom plans (opens in a new tab)- $0 Basic plan plus the state fee
- Pro adds unlimited 30-minute attorney consults for 30 days
- 150+ attorney-drafted legal documents with Pro
Updated October 29, 2026
If you're planning to form an LLC, choosing the right formation service can save you time, money, and legal headaches.

LegalZoom
$0 + state feeSee LegalZoom plans (opens in a new tab)
LawDepot
$299 incl. state feeSee LawDepot plans (opens in a new tab)Prices checked October 29, 2026. State filing fees are extra.
This comprehensive review examines LawDepot and LegalZoom based on our rigorous testing methodology and decade of experience in LLC formation.
At Venture Smarter, we've personally tested dozens of business formation platforms to evaluate how they perform in real-world scenarios.
By interacting anonymously with their business formation services and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based recommendations.

LawDepot is one of the most successful online legal document services that provide customizable templates and contracts carefully reviewed and updated by legal professionals.
Since the company was established in 2001, they have helped over 10 million users save on legal fees.
LegalZoom has processed over 4 million business formations since its founding in 2001, capturing approximately 25% of the online legal service market according to IBISWorld's 2024 industry report [1].
The platform offers a broader range of services beyond document templates, including registered agent services, business formation assistance, and ongoing compliance support for small business owners.

LegalZoom features an LLC formation service as well as legal consultation, documentation, and registered agent. You can choose from three different LLC formation packages that best suits the needs of your company.
If your company is inclined to focus on legal aspects and documentation, subscribing to LawDepot will give you unlimited access to business templates and other company needs.

| Plan Level | ![]() | LawDepot |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | LegalZoom Basic ($0 + state fees): • Filing of Articles of Organization • Name check service • Digital welcome packet (includes LLC maintenance guidelines) • Customizable website | LawDepot Free Trial (One Week): • Access to templates for legal document generation • After the trial, users can opt for a monthly or annual subscription plan |
| Mid-Level Plan | LegalZoom Pro ($249): • Includes Basic plan features • Customizable operating agreement • EIN acquisition • Access to legal templates • Initial phone consultations (business insurance and taxes) | LawDepot Monthly Subscription ($49 after a free 7-day trial): • Unlimited access to all documents on the website • Over 150 customized legal document templates |
| Top-Level Plan | LegalZoom Premium ($299 + state fees): • Includes Pro plan features • Firsthand attorney guidance • Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations • 30-day amendment period for LLC formation documents | LawDepot Yearly Subscription ($155.88 annually): • Ideal for businesses requiring regular legal documentation • Pay-per-use option available ($7.50 to $119 for single documents) |
Get 20% off eligible LegalZoom LLC formation and other services with Venture Smarter code venturesmarter20.
"The best way to start a business is to quit planning and start doing."
- Danya Shafkeh, Corporate Attorney & Writer of Venture Smarter
After contacting LawDepot, Venture Smarter learned that the company sells its own registered agent service, which costs $249 first year, then $249/yr.
The package includes mail scanning, annual report reminders, privacy by default, and corporate guide service.
LegalZoom provides its own professional registered agent service for $249 first year, then $249/yr. The registered agent will receive service of process on behalf of the business, and emails about tax and annual report deadlines.
Choose LegalZoom if:
Example Scenario: You’re an entrepreneur launching a brand that requires DBA registration, trademark protection, and compliance assistance.
LegalZoom offers an all-in-one service with professional legal guidance, making it the better choice for businesses needing more than just basic formation services.
Choose LawDepot if:
Example Scenario: You’re a small business owner forming an LLC in a low-regulation industry and only need basic incorporation documents and registered agent services.
LawDepot is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to minimize costs while handling compliance independently.
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LegalZoom offers priority support and typically answers my queries within 24 hours. You can also reach customer service by email and phone, Monday to Friday between 5 am to 7 pm PST and on the weekends from 7 am to 4 pm PST.
LawDepot’s customer support is available by phone, email, and chat Monday to Friday between 8 am to 7 pm EST. They also have a lot of frequently asked questions on their website that are useful.
Their customer service team was highly knowledgeable and very responsive to my concerns.
According to Trustpilot reviews, both LawDepot and LegalZoom receive favorable feedback from their users.
Customers praise LawDepot for its comprehensive questionnaire-based system that helps create customizable legal documents, ranging from rental agreements to business contracts.
Users appreciate that the platform simplifies complex legal documentation processes.
Similarly, LegalZoom receives positive reviews for its efficient LLC formation services and helpful customer support, with users specifically noting the non-pushy, informative guidance they receive throughout their document creation process.
Both services maintain strong ratings, though some users note minor interface limitations with LawDepot's document creation flow.
LawDepot is best used for as a document library. You can gain access to customizable legal document templates without having to employ the services of an attorney.
LegalZoom is rated higher as an LLC formation service, while LawDepot is noted as a legal consultation and document creation company.
Between these two, LegalZoom wins. Its Pro plan ($249 plus the state fee) adds unlimited 30-minute attorney consults for 30 days, then renews monthly unless you cancel.
Its State Compliance Filings come with a promise: if it misses anything, LegalZoom pays the fine or penalty. Pick LawDepot instead if you only need affordable legal documents.
LegalZoom also has the deepest post-formation toolkit we tested, including 150+ legal documents. We formed Maine Spoons LLC with LegalZoom in June 2026 and paid $175 on the $0 Basic plan, which was Maine's state filing fee.
Two costs to plan for: registered agent service is sold separately, and Pro's attorney consults renew at $49 a month after the first 30 days unless you cancel. If you expect legal questions after filing, LegalZoom is the one to pick.

Our verdict
$0 + state fee. 60-day money-back guarantee.
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Prices checked October 29, 2026. State filing fees are extra.