BetterLegal Review: #1 for Speed, But Consider This...

What Is BetterLegal?

BetterLegal, established in 2017 by Chad Sakonchick, is an LLC formation service offering a straightforward package for $299, excluding state fees. This package includes essential services like Articles of Organization, EIN/Tax ID, and Operating Agreement, alongside unique additions such as Business Forms and a suite of free business tools. I found BetterLegal’s focus on simplicity and speed refreshing.

Packages and Pricing: Understanding BetterLegal Costs

BetterLegal offers a singular package priced at $299, excluding state fees. This package includes the essential elements for LLC formation and provides some additional business resources.

BetterLegal’s approach is to simplify the LLC formation process with a clear, upfront pricing structure and fast service delivery, and I found the experience to be very straightforward.

Affordable & Monthly-Plan Registered Agent Service

BetterLegal does not include Registered Agent service in their basic package but offers it as an optional add-on for $10/month or $90/year. This service is optional but important for LLCs, acting as the designated recipient for legal papers and government correspondence on behalf of your business. It’s also known as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states. I appreciated that BetterLegal’s Registered Agent offering has a competitive price point and allows for monthly payments.

Bonus Business Forms

In addition to its core LLC formation services, BetterLegal provides Bonus Business Forms. This includes the S-Corp Election Form, Officer Designation, Meeting Minutes Templates, and Ownership Amendment Forms. These forms can assist with compliance and documentation.

BetterLegal’s Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an optional document for LLCs that outlines ownership structure, operating procedures, and governance. I was glad to see an Operating Agreement was part of the $299 package, though some services such as Northwest Registered Agent offer these with their basic packages.

Ease of Use

BetterLegal outlines their LLC formation process in three clearly defined steps. During my experience using the service, I found these steps easy to follow.

1. Name Your LLC and Select a State: Begin by choosing a name for your LLC and the state in which you wish to form it.
2. Fill Out the Form: Provide personal details and select any optional add-ons. This step is straightforward, despite being less segmented than some competitors’ multi-step forms.

1. Summary and Payment: Review a summary of your selections, including the package and any add-ons. Here, you can also leave notes for the filing team if necessary.

Registered Agent Service

Registered Agent Review

BetterLegal’s Registered Agent service, available for $10 per month or $90 per year, is highlighted for its affordability and flexibility. This service offers compliance with state requirements by managing legal documents and acting as a point of contact for your LLC. It’s a valuable asset for business owners looking to maintain privacy and meet legal obligations efficiently.

Registered Agent Price

After reviewing a ton of LLC formation services, BetterLegal had the absolute lowest yearly price I could find for a registered agent service, even though they don’t offer the first year free like some competitors. The next cheapest option was still $99. Their monthly or annual payment options definitely provide flexibility for businesses of all sizes.

Canceling BetterLegal Registered Agent

To cancel BetterLegal’s Registered Agent service, you need to contact customer support directly via email, phone, or through their online portal. Betterlegal claims that the process is straightforward. It’s important to ensure that you have another registered agent in place to maintain compliance with state laws, as this is a legal requirement for LLCs.

BetterLegal vs. Others

In comparing BetterLegal with ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent, I observed differences in pricing, registered agent services, and package offerings. The table below highlights key aspects of each service to guide potential LLC owners in making an informed decision.

I found that while BetterLegal offers a straightforward and fast service, ZenBusiness provides the best value with a $0 starting price and a comprehensive worry-free compliance package. LegalZoom offers a wide range of legal services beyond LLC formation, making it suitable for those needing additional legal support. Northwest stands out for its comprehensive services and competitive pricing for registered agent services.

Customer Support at BetterLegal

I had a positive experience with BetterLegal’s customer support. They offer support through an AI chatbot for quick queries and have a live chat option for more in-depth assistance. I rate the quality of support in my analysis as good, reflecting a balance of efficiency and helpfulness.

Phone Number and Email Address

For those who prefer traditional methods of communication, BetterLegal can be reached Email or phone.

• Phone number: +1-855-612-0480
• Email address: support [at] betterlegal [dot] com
• Availability: Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST

Turnaround Time

BetterLegal claims fast processing times on their website, and customer reviews seem to confirm this. Many people report getting their LLCs formed in as little as two business days.

Customer Feedback Analysis

BetterLegal’s reviews across various platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and Google Reviews are generally positive, with many customers praising the speed and simplicity of the service. However, as with any service, there are mixed reviews, with some customers noting areas for improvement in customer support and the cancellation process.

BetterLegal Operating Agreement

BetterLegal includes an Operating Agreement in their $299 package. This document, while optional, is important for outlining the LLC’s ownership, procedures, and governance. While this adds to the comprehensiveness of their service, it’s worth noting that other providers, like Northwest Registered Agent, include an Operating Agreement within even their most basic packages, which can start at $39 with special offers.

BetterLegal Mobile App

BetterLegal does not have a mobile app available. This means that users looking to manage their LLC formation or access services via a smartphone will need to use BetterLegal’s website. While the absence of an app might be a drawback for some users preferring mobile access, the website is designed to be responsive and user-friendly across devices.

If having a dedicated app is a priority, with the convenience of notifications and phone-optimized document management, consider alternatives like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Rocket Lawyer.

International LLC Formation Services

While BetterLegal primarily focuses on domestic LLC formation within the U.S., they can assist with some of the essential legal documentation. However, their service might not be the best fit for international clients without a U.S. postal address, as they likely require a Registered Agent. If you need a service specifically designed for international LLC formation and are willing to consider a more premium price point, I would recommend Doola. Check out our Doola review for more info!

The Expert Verdict

BetterLegal’s strengths lie in its speed and streamlined approach. Their one-package model makes the decision simple, and as promised, the turnaround time was incredibly fast during my experience. Here’s who this service is perfect for:

• Entrepreneurs needing LLC set up YESTERDAY: If you value speed over everything else, BetterLegal is likely a strong contender.
• Those who want a few extras: The included website setup and tax analysis are nice bonuses if you need a basic online presence.
• People who struggle with legal jargon (with a caveat): BetterLegal offers a Chrome extension called BetterLegal Assistant that claims to translate legal jargon into plain English. However, it was not functioning during the time of this review, so I couldn’t properly evaluate its effectiveness.

BetterLegal Might NOT Be Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious founders: At $299, there are more affordable options like Bizee(powered by IncFile) and Active Filings.
• Those seeking ongoing legal support: Consider LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer for broader legal services beyond the initial LLC formation.
• Anyone wanting a very tailored experience: ZenBusiness offers a more balanced approach with strong customer support and value overall.

See my top picks for the best LLC services to explore even more options and understand their features and specialties in depth.

BetterLegal Promo Codes and Coupons

Currently, BetterLegal does not offer any promo codes or coupons. If you’re looking for special offers from other providers, we have a special link for Northwest Registered Agent. Check out my Northwest Registered Agent review to find out more.

BetterLegal Alternatives

When considering forming an LLC, it’s essential to compare different service providers to find the one that best meets your needs. BetterLegal is known for its quick turnaround and simplicity, but alternatives like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent offer varying advantages in pricing, services, and user experience. Here’s how BetterLegal stacks up against each of these competitors, highlighting the main differences to help you make an informed decision.

BetterLegal vs. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a more affordable entry point for LLC formation with a $0 package, excluding state fees. While BetterLegal boasts the fastest turnaround, ZenBusiness is praised for its value and exceptional user-friendliness.

BetterLegal vs. LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers a broader range of legal services beyond LLC formation, making it a good choice for those seeking additional legal support. BetterLegal focuses on speed and simplicity, offering one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.

BetterLegal vs. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent stands out for its comprehensive service and the inclusion of a free registered agent service for the first year. BetterLegal, however, offers a simpler pricing model and a quicker turnaround for LLC formation.

Cancellation Policy

• Understand Cancellation: If you need to cancel BetterLegal services (like Registered Agent), you’ll do it by calling (512) 969-2339, emailing [email protected], or using their online account portal. Check their Terms of Use for full details.
• Fees May Apply: You might still be responsible for some fees even after canceling, like mail forwarding costs.
• NO REFUNDS: BetterLegal doesn’t give refunds on any of their services, so be sure before you buy.

Need Help Cancelling?

BetterLegal customer service is available Monday through Friday, 9 am – 7 pm EST. You can reach them by:

• Phone: (855) 612-0480 or (512) 969-2339
• Live Chat or Contact Form on their website

Frequently Asked Questions