BetterLegal Review
BetterLegal is an online legal platform that assists new and aspiring business owners launch their companies and complete initial paperwork to officially set up their businesses.
BetterLegal was founded in 2016 and is based out of Austin, Texas. They are mainly focused on helping clients set up their businesses, but they do offer a handful of services for continuing assistance.
BetterLegal is available to clients in all 50 states, though prices can vary depending on location, since each state has its own distinct filing fees.
Up-and-coming business owners can complete initial filing with BetterLegal and can take advantage of additional services to begin running their businesses. Initial filing does not require a membership, but there are other services that are available on a subscription basis.
Customers can file for a new business, hire a registered agent, utilize state compliance services, conduct a permit and license search, and more.
Should You Use BetterLegal?
BetterLegal can be a promising platform for those who need to get their business set up or those who have simple continuing legal needs. However, no online legal platform can meet the needs of all, and potential clients should consider the following factors before proceeding to work with BetterLegal:
Pros:
- Help with determining a business type
- Fast turnaround times
- Additional help beyond formation
- Easily accessible customer service team
Cons:
- No access to individual attorneys
- Pricing is sometimes difficult to locate
In many cases, individuals starting a business will work with an attorney so that they can receive personalized ongoing services.
Alternatively, BetterLegal can be a convenient option for those who are looking to launch their businesses without having to hire a costly attorney. Those with relatively straightforward legal needs will be able to handle all of the initial setup online without having to seek out customized services from an attorney.
BetterLegal is a great option for aspiring or new business owners with little experience in business, as the platform conveniently guides users through the entire process. Business owners are able to file the starting paperwork for their businesses as well as opt in to additional services for continued help.
How Does BetterLegal Work?
To begin forming a business with BetterLegal, clients are first asked whether they want to form an LLC or a Corporation, as well as the state in which the business will be based. Clients can form a single member LLC, multi-member LLC, single director Inc., or multi-director Inc.
Once the initial information is provided, clients will be taken to a chatbot. The chatbot requests additional information such as the business name, description, and information about the owner before offering pricing options.
If there are any questions or concerns throughout the registration process, clients can reach out to the BetterLegal customer support team. Customer support is available through an online live chat and can also be reached by phone or email. Additionally, BetterLegal offers a comprehensive FAQ section for common inquiries.
Can You Speak to a Real Attorney at BetterLegal?
BetterLegal specializes in helping new and aspiring business owners with straightforward and simple legal needs that often don’t call for the help of an attorney.
Clients cannot reach out to an individual attorney through the BetterLegal platform. However, users can proceed with confidence knowing the BetterLegal team is always available to answer questions and has years of experience in business formation and continuing services.
Utilizing the BetterLegal platform will not provide access to an attorney and instead lets clients handle all of their filing paperwork and other services in one convenient online location. For those who have more complex legal needs or require other ongoing services, BetterLegal may not be the preferred platform.
What Does BetterLegal Cost?
As mentioned, BetterLegal’s services may vary in cost depending on the state of formation. Forming an LLC or a Corporation costs $299 as well as the state filing fee, which can begin as low as $50 or may be as expensive as $300 or more.
Additional services are available on a subscription basis. For instance, clients can hire a registered agent for $10 per month or $90 per year. State compliance services are also available for $10 per month or $90 per year.
Finally, there are some services available for a one-time cost. Clients can conduct a Permit and License Search for $125. BetterLegal also provides an extensive list of filing services by state and business type and offers a free Info Center with helpful articles for new business owners.
Competitors
Some notable competitors of BetterLegal include Incfile, ZenBusiness, and LegalZoom. Each platform advertises distinct services and provides unique benefits and disadvantages to its users.
For example, LegalZoom is a trusted platform for many who are looking to begin their businesses. They offer a wide range of services and are a familiar name for many. However, LegalZoom tends to be more expensive than BetterLegal and other competing platforms, which may not be in the budget of new business owners.
Recommendations
In general, BetterLegal is an excellent option for those looking to register their business or take advantage of select continuing services. Those who have simple legal needs and simply want to get their business off the ground will find that the BetterLegal platform has everything they may need to get started.
Even for those with little to no prior business experience, BetterLegal can be a valuable resource. BetterLegal allows clients to set up their businesses with confidence and save time and money compared to hiring an attorney.
