LegalZoom is an Internet-based service for the creation of common legal documents. It uses the speed and broad reach of the Internet to assist people with the creation of ordinary, uncontested documents with less expense than using an attorney. Although some may think of LegalZoom as do-it-yourself legal representation, the key words to remember are "ordinary" and "uncontested."
History
LegalZoom was launched in March 2001 with the purpose of making legal document preparation more accessible and less expensive via the Internet than traditional face-to-face meetings with attorneys. Among its co-founders is Robert Shapiro, who is best known for his role on the defense team during O.J. Simpson's murder trial in 1995. "It is no wonder that nearly 70 percent of Americans live without a will," co-founder Brian Liu noted at the time of the site's launch. "The current process of preparing legal documents is expensive, time-consuming and confusing." All forms offered by the site are developed and reviewed by attorneys. The LegalZoom team is composed of not only practicing attorneys but also retired judges and law professors.
Business Formations
The LegalZoom site can assist with documentation for any type of business structure. The site offers a comparison worksheet to determine which type is best for your business. Incorporation service and LLC (Limited Liability Company) creations are offered in various packages depending on your needs. DBAs (Doing Business As) are required if you are conducting business using a name other than your company's legal name. That service is also offered on the site.
Documentation for other business entities such as nonprofits, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and sole proprietorships also can be created.
Wills and Living Trusts
LegalZoom can walk you through the process of creating documents for the dispensation of assets. You can create a will, living trust or living will, and the site helps you select the one that best suits your needs.
Living trusts are gaining in popularity as they are not usually subjected to probate, which consumes some portion of the estate value. A living will allows you to dictate decisions about the use of life support.
Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights
These entities are in place to protect your intellectual property and rights to it. Trademarks protect a company's name, image or logo. Trademark services at LegalZoom include registration, comprehensive search, monitoring, and statement of use. Patents protect inventions and designs. LegalZoom offers provisional applications for patents (i.e. "patent pending"), utility patents, design patents, searches and illustrations. Finally, the site offers documentation for copyright registration. Under current law, all tangible works are copyrighted upon creation; however, registration of the copyright offers additional recourse should an infringement occur.
Divorce and Name Change
Provided the divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse can agree to division of property as well as all child-related issues, you can complete the documentation and filing on this site. An uncontested divorce does not require an attorney, and in many cases, there is no need to appear before a judge. The caveat here is "uncontested."
LegalZoom can provide help to you with the documentation to legally change your name. The site will walk you through the process and prepare the legal, county-specific documentation.
More Legal Documents
LegalZoom also offers documents for bankruptcy, small claims, real estate leases and deed transfers as well as a large library of legal forms.
You can receive a free bankruptcy evaluation for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing. LegalZoom provides representation for small claims in some states. If your state is not covered, you may opt to use their "attorney by request" service. You can also secure required documentation for real estate leases and deeds.
Tags: estate leases, legal documents, living will, offered site, ordinary uncontested, real estate
