LegalZoom vs Nolo
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top estate planning picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
LegalZoom
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
The most recognized name in online legal document services
Nolo
Ranked #3 of 15 in this directory
Legal information and DIY tools from the self-help law pioneer
Our pick: LegalZoom. Our editors rank LegalZoom higher overall in Estate Planning — but Nolo can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| LegalZoom | Nolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Wills Trusts | Wills Trusts |
| Editorial rank | #2 of 15 | #3 of 15 |
Strengths
LegalZoom
- ✓Most recognized and trusted brand in online legal services
- ✓Comprehensive document library beyond just estate planning
- ✓Optional attorney review available for additional assurance
- ✓30-day satisfaction guarantee on all documents
- ✓Large customer base provides confidence in document validity
Nolo
- ✓Over 50 years of self-help legal publishing expertise
- ✓WillMaker software creates comprehensive estate document packages
- ✓Extensive educational content explains the law behind each document
- ✓One-time purchase covers wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and more
- ✓Regular updates keep documents current with changing state laws
Watch out for
LegalZoom
- !Pricing is higher than specialized estate planning platforms
- !Documents can feel generic compared to attorney-drafted alternatives
- !Upselling during the process can feel aggressive
- !Customer support wait times can be lengthy during peak periods
Nolo
- !Interface feels more utilitarian than modern competitors
- !Desktop software approach feels dated compared to web-first platforms
- !No attorney review or legal advice included
Best use cases
LegalZoom
- →Create a basic last will and testament with asset distribution instructions
- →Add power of attorney documents to your estate plan during the same session
- →Upgrade to attorney review for a living trust that includes real estate and investment accounts
Nolo
- →Use WillMaker to create a complete estate planning package including will, healthcare directive, and POA
- →Reference Nolo's legal guides to understand the difference between a will and a living trust
- →Create a pet trust to ensure care for animals after your passing
About each tool
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is the largest online legal services platform in the United States, offering estate planning documents alongside business formation, trademark, and other legal services. Their estate planning products include last wills, living trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. The guided process walks users through each decision with plain-English explanations, and optional attorney review adds professional oversight.
Nolo
Nolo has been the leading publisher of self-help legal information for over 50 years, offering estate planning software, books, and online resources. Their Quicken WillMaker product is a comprehensive desktop and online tool for creating wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and financial power of attorney documents. Nolo's educational approach helps users understand the legal concepts behind their documents.
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