We list 6 of the top online legal services right now. This article provides information on each service including the pros and cons of each online legal service.Â
Best Online Legal Services for 2022
Best Overall: LegalShield
Best Free Advice: Avvo
Best Self-Service Documents: LegalZoom
Best for Finding a Lawyer: FindLaw
Best for Complex Needs: Rocket Lawyer
Best for Startup Businesses: Incfile
LegalZoom
LegalZoom makes it easy to use legal documents with its simple online forms. Prices starting at $29. There is no better self-service option.
Pros
Straightforward, flat-rate pricing
Great phone support
60-day satisfaction guarantee
Memberships available
Cons
It can be confusing to choose from different pricing options
Some documents cannot be viewed online.
Additional fees may apply for assistance in filing (depending on the state).
LegalZoom makes it easy and fast to obtain the documents you need, whether you are planning your estate or renting out property. Self-service platform allows you to create customized legal documents for as low as $29. The majority of documents can be completed online in a matter of minutes and then sent by mail or downloaded.
LegalZoom also offers full service packages that allow you to have access to a licensed attorney for a specific period. The Last Will Estate Plan, for example, includes one year of legal guidance and hands-on assistance by a lawyer in creating your last will and testament, financial powers of attorney, and living will. For one person, the price is $179 and for two people it’s $279.
LegalZoom offers similar services, but the company excels in customer support. Telephone support is available during the week from 14 to 9 p.m., and weekends are nine hours. Many documents allow unlimited revisions. For a full refund, contact customer service within 60-days if you are not satisfied with the final product.
Many documents can be downloaded digitally from LegalZoom. However, some documents cannot be sent via mail. This service can be used to help you file a document with the relevant legal authority. However, it is not free.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer’s On-Call Attorneys are the best option for complex cases.
Pros
Both memberships and a la-carte services available
Members receive up to 40% savings on fees when they hire an On-Call attorney
Available in five countries
7-day free trial
Cons
Too complex for people with simple needs
Membership fees are higher
No weekend support
Rocket Lawyer can help you if your legal needs are not being met by online services. Rocket Lawyer offers many solutions for individuals and businesses in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Spain.
Rocket Lawyer allows you to choose whether you want to buy services individually or subscribe for a monthly subscription. A monthly membership costs $39.99 and includes unlimited documents, legal answers and 30-minute consultations. The membership can be very cost-effective as the fees for non-members range between $39.99 for one document and $59.99 for 30 minutes.
Rocket Lawyer On-Call is available to members who are not satisfied with Rocket Lawyer’s services. Rocket Lawyer On Call will connect you with the appropriate attorney to help you for a 30 minute consultation. For complex cases that require additional legal services, you can continue to work with the attorney at 40% off their hourly rates or 10% off their flat fees.
Rocket Lawyer memberships include a seven-day trial. You can cancel at any time prior to the next billing cycle. Although the $39.99 monthly fee may seem higher than other competitors, it is still worth it if you need more documents or complicated legal assistance. Customer support is not available on weekends.
LegalShield
LegalShield is the best online legal service available for businesses and families. It offers affordable prices, excellent support, and 24 hour convenience.
Pros
We serve both individuals and small businesses.
Monthly plans that are affordable
No long-term contracts
Live chat and emergency consultations available
Available in Canada and the United States
Cons
This product is not intended for a single-use use
Additional services may cost more depending on where you live and who you are.
There may be additional costs for pre-existing conditions.
LegalShield estimates that an hour of consultation with an attorney costs between $150 and $400. The company offers an affordable option through its all inclusive plan. The monthly membership fee, which starts at $29.95 for individuals, and $49 for small business, covers many of the basic services that you might require from an attorney.
LegalShield’s individual plans include unlimited consultations and document reviews with licensed attorneys. Estate planning and mortgage document preparation are included. You can also get representation in certain situations related to traffic violations, family laws, tax audits, and other issues. You will receive a 25% discount if you hire a lawyer to assist you for any other reason. You are also covered for your spouse and dependent children at no extra cost.
LegalShield also offers coverage for small businesses with three membership levels, ranging in price from $49 to $169 per monthly. All plans include consultations as well as a 25% discount off hourly rates. However, the cost of each plan will vary depending on how many documents you want reviewed and the amount you need to have your attorney send.
LegalShield is a monthly subscription service, but there is no long-term commitment. You can cancel at any time and receive a prorated refund for days not used. You should be aware that some benefits are not available to people in pre-existing circumstances. For example, if LegalShield is signed up the day after receiving a ticket, the traffic violation benefits will not apply.
AVVO
Avvo is the best place for simple legal questions. It offers free advice from licensed lawyers.
Pros
Ask a question to get the advice of one or more lawyers
Most questions can be answered in 12 hours.
Follow-up questions are free
This directory contains a list of all attorneys in the United States
Cons
All are welcome to ask questions
Information is limited to the most general.
Filled with advertisements of local lawyers
It’s frustrating to pay for an attorney’s services only to find that they are unable help you. Avvo is an online directory that provides free legal advice and guidance. Avvo claims that someone receives advice on the Q&A board every five seconds, and usually within 12 hours.
Avvo allows you to submit questions online. All you have to do is complete an online form with the question and any pertinent details. In a matter of hours, at most one lawyer in your local area will respond. Avvo encourages you to ask follow-up questions as necessary. These are free so long as the attorney is available and willing to answer them.
One caveat: The Avvo Q&A boards don’t create an attorney-client relationship. They are limited to general advice and do not constitute legal advice. You may be advised to contact a lawyer at some point. You can either use the Avvo directory or contact the person who answered your question.
Avvo’s Q&A Board is open to the public so you should remember that anyone can see any information you post. This does not mean you cannot search for questions that have been asked by others. Sponsored lawyer listings are also worth your attention.
UpCounsel
UpCounsel offers a variety of legal services.
UpCounsel offers everything, from one-on-one legal consultations to a whole freelance legal department for you business.
AirBnB, a top brand that deals with complicated legal issues frequently uses them. You can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
UpCounsel offers the following popular categories:
Formation of a business
Agreements
Patents
Trademarks
General counsel
Employment and labor
Finance and securities
Here’s how it works.
Please take a moment to create a job that relates to your legal and business needs. UpCounsel keeps all information you provide strictly confidential.
UpCounsel will match you with qualified lawyers to address your needs. These lawyers will send you proposals and you can arrange a free consultation.
You can then hire your lawyer once you are ready to move forward. The pricing process is simple, so there are no hidden fees. You can collaborate with your lawyer online through the UpCounsel platform.
UpCounsel allows you to easily manage all your communications from one location. UpCounsel offers free document management and time-tracking phone calls.
Invoice management, tracking your spending and flexible payment options are all possible with UpCounsel. UpCounsel allows you to easily connect with any lawyer you have worked with in the past.
Findlaw
FindLaw’s directory includes hundreds of lawyers in 119 practice areas. It is one of the most popular places online to find a lawyer.
Pros
This list includes all the attorneys in all 50 States and Puerto Rico
You can search by location or legal issue
It is easy to locate free consultations
Online resources available for free
Cons
There are limited support options
Many lawyers have very few reviews or none.
Discipline information is not included
Each legal matter requires a different type and FindLaw is the best place to search them all. It is easy to find the best qualified attorney for your case by searching through hundreds of U.S. lawyers in 119 areas of law.
Simply enter your legal issue, along with your geographic location, to get started with FindLaw. You’ll receive a list qualified attorneys. FindLaw offers a free consultation option if you prefer to speak with someone. If the person seeking representation doesn’t speak English, you can narrow your results by language.
FindLaw offers a free online legal resource library. A state-by-state encyclopedia will help you understand important laws. It is accessible to anyone without a law degree. FindLaw’s guide to filing for bankruptcy and forming LLC can help you decide if hiring an attorney is right for you.
Although FindLaw lists client reviews for attorneys in their directory you might find that many attorneys have few or no reviews. It is worth the effort to search for reviews on different platforms. FindLaw recommends that you check with your local bar association for any disciplinary records. To get the best value, it is a good idea to speak with several attorneys.
Incfile
How do you start a business? Incfile offers the best legal assistance, starting with a free LLC file.
Pros
Free LLC Filing
You can incorporate in any U.S. State
Choose from one of three packages
Include lifetime alerts prior to important filing dates
Cons
State fees are not included in the free LLC filing
Phone support is limited
Some states have higher fees than others
Incfile offers the best online legal services to help startups at every stage of their growth, from choosing the right type of legal entity to keeping in compliance. Incfile has been helping small businesses start and continue to grow since 2004.
Incfile offers three packages to its customers: Platinum, Silver and Gold. The service fee charged by Incfile to state filing fees determines the pricing. The type of entity you choose to establish your business in and the state it is located will affect the price. The Gold package, for example, costs $199 to form an LLC in Arkansas and $354 to create the same company in New York.
Incfile will continue to support you after you have started your business. They can help you with annual compliance and other procedures. Gold members have access to a business bank account, tax resolutions, and banking solutions. Platinum members receive contract templates, expedited file, and domain names.
Incfile’s customer service is the main problem. Customers have complained about slow responses and limited phone support hours on weekdays, between 9 a.m. & 6 p.m. CST. Incfile has recently responded to these complaints by increasing the size of its customer support team and adding live chat support.
Bottom line
Although they do have some limitations, online legal services can often be cheaper and more convenient than traditional attorneys. Online wills are much cheaper than buying a simple will. You can make your own for as little as $100. Online legal services can be a great way to start with low-cost or free advice before you commit to long-term representation.
