Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | LegalZoom | Nolo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Will) | $89 | $99 (WillMaker software) |
| Living Trust | $549+ | $249 (software) |
| Business Formation | ✅ Full service | ✅ Software only |
| Attorney Access | ✅ Plans available | ❌ Not included |
| Document Types | 100+ legal forms | Estate planning focused |
| Platform Type | Web-based SaaS | Desktop + web software |
| Subscription Model | Yes (legal plan) | Software license |
| Customer Support | Phone, chat, attorney hotline | Email / self-help |
| Founded | 2001 | 1971 |
| Publicly Traded | ✅ NASDAQ: LZ | ❌ No |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
Pros & Cons
LegalZoom: Pros & Cons
- ✅ Largest online legal services platform
- ✅ Attorney access plans for ongoing legal questions
- ✅ Handles 100+ document types including business, IP, immigration
- ✅ 4 million+ customers — established trust
- ✅ Subscription plan includes unlimited attorney consultations
- ✅ Good for bundling business + personal legal needs
- ❌ Higher pricing than competitors for estate planning
- ❌ Upsell-heavy purchase process
- ❌ Attorney review often costs extra
- ❌ Some documents can feel template-heavy
- ❌ Living trust pricing significantly above market
Nolo: Pros & Cons
- ✅ 50+ years as a trusted legal publisher
- ✅ Often cheaper for estate planning documents
- ✅ Extensive free legal guides and educational content
- ✅ WillMaker software well-reviewed
- ✅ Desktop software works offline
- ❌ No attorney access or review
- ❌ Desktop software feels dated
- ❌ Narrower scope vs LegalZoom's platform
- ❌ Less suitable for business legal needs
- ❌ Limited customer support
When to Choose Each
Choose LegalZoom if…
Choose LegalZoom if you need a broad legal services relationship — especially if you're also forming a business, registering a trademark, or want access to an attorney for ongoing questions. Their subscription legal plan ($49/month) is excellent value for small business owners who need occasional legal guidance.
Try LegalZoom →Choose Nolo if…
Choose Nolo if you want affordable DIY estate planning software and value educational depth. Nolo's WillMaker + Living Trust Bundle is often cheaper than LegalZoom's equivalent, and their legal library is unmatched for self-education. Best for people who are comfortable with DIY legal documents and don't need attorney review.
Try Nolo →State-Specific Notes
Both LegalZoom and Nolo cover all 50 US states. LegalZoom uses state-specific attorney-drafted templates. Nolo's WillMaker software includes state-specific questionnaires and legal notes. For complex state-specific situations (community property states, states with estate tax like Massachusetts or Oregon), both platforms handle the basics, but complex cases may benefit from a local attorney.
For most users needing comprehensive legal services, LegalZoom's platform depth and attorney access win. For pure estate planning on a budget, Nolo's WillMaker software offers better value — but Trust & Will beats both for estate planning specifically.
Get Started with LegalZoom →Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom or Nolo better for a simple will?
For a simple will, Nolo's WillMaker software ($99) is often a better value — it includes a comprehensive will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney in one package at a lower price. LegalZoom's standalone will starts at $89 but charges extra for healthcare directives and POA, making the total cost higher.
Which is better for a living trust, LegalZoom or Nolo?
Nolo is typically cheaper for a living trust: their software costs around $249 vs LegalZoom's $549+. However, LegalZoom includes attorney review which Nolo does not. For a major document like a living trust, the attorney review may be worth LegalZoom's premium price.
Does Nolo have attorney access like LegalZoom?
No — Nolo does not offer attorney consultations or review as part of their product offerings. They are a legal publisher and software provider, not a law firm or attorney network. LegalZoom's legal plan ($49/month) provides access to attorney consultations, which Nolo cannot match.
Is LegalZoom's legal plan worth it?
For small business owners or individuals with multiple legal needs, LegalZoom's legal plan can be excellent value. At $49/month, you get unlimited attorney consultations, document review, and discounts on additional legal services. For a one-time estate planning need, a standalone purchase is typically more cost-effective.
Which has better reviews, LegalZoom or Nolo?
Both have strong reputations. LegalZoom has more reviews given its larger customer base (4M+). Trustpilot and BBB reviews for both are generally positive with A+ BBB ratings. LegalZoom occasionally gets criticized for upsells; Nolo is generally praised for educational quality but criticized for dated software UX.