Why LegalZoom Won’t Actually Save You Money in the Long Run
If you’re thinking about using an online legal service like LegalZoom to create a will, start a business, or draft a power of attorney—here’s something every Nebraskan should know:
You’re probably not saving money.
At least not in the long run.
I know, I know—that sounds exactly like something a lawyer would say. But here’s the thing: I’m not just saying it. I’ve seen it. In my practice, I meet families and individuals all the time who turned to DIY legal forms hoping to save money—only to end up with costly problems later.
The Appeal of Online Legal Services (And Why They Fall Short)
I understand the temptation. The promise of a simple, inexpensive legal document—just answer a few questions, download a form, and move on. But legal planning—especially in Nebraska—isn’t one-size-fits-all. Not for:
Estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney)
Family law matters involving custody or long-term care
Immigration filings that hinge on precise documentation
Even small mistakes can lead to real legal consequences—delays, denials, probate, tax liability, or family disputes.
Let me give you a real-world example.
The Cost of a DIY Will in Nebraska
I once worked with a client—let’s call her Janice—who used an online platform to create a basic will. After she passed, her family discovered that the will:
Left out certain assets entirely
Included language that conflicted with Nebraska probate law
Lacked proper execution under Nebraska’s statutory requirements
It ended up costing her family thousands in legal fees to fix the problems and navigate probate—money that could have been saved if she’d worked with an estate planning attorney from the start.
What You Get With a Nebraska Lawyer (That LegalZoom Can’t Offer)
Online legal tools offer generic templates. Lawyers offer expert legal advice based on your real life. When you work with an attorney, you get:
Custom documents that reflect your unique goals, family dynamics, and legal needs
Documents that comply with current Nebraska law, including updates to probate, guardianship, and family codes
A relationship with someone you can call when life changes (because it will)
Confidence that your paperwork will stand up in court, protect your assets, and safeguard your family
Think of it like healthcare: you wouldn’t self-diagnose a serious condition using a website and expect it to hold up in an emergency. Legal planning works the same way.
Why Nebraska Law Adds Layers of Complexity
Nebraska law is highly specific when it comes to estate planning, family law, immigration, and guardianship matters. And small errors in your documents can lead to:
Probate battles over a missed signature or incorrect witness
Delayed guardianship approvals due to incomplete paperwork
Immigration denials from a single misstep on a form
Tax issues for families who relied on a generic trust document
Online forms don’t catch these issues. An attorney does.
You Don’t Want a Form. You Want Peace of Mind.
LegalZoom doesn’t show up in court when a form is contested. It doesn’t explain why your will isn’t valid. And it won’t help your family when they’re left trying to fix a problem you didn’t know you had.
If you want legal documents that work when they’re supposed to—when it really matters—talk to a professional who knows Nebraska law and takes the time to understand your goals.
Call 402-259-0059 or Email zach@zandersonlaw.com.
I help clients across Nebraska with estate planning, guardianship, immigration, and family law matters. Let’s make sure your legal foundation is solid—no shortcuts, no regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LegalZoom legal in Nebraska?
Yes, it’s legal to use online legal forms—but legal doesn’t mean effective. Nebraska has specific requirements for estate documents, notarization, and witness rules. If your DIY documents don’t meet those standards, they can be invalid.
What can go wrong with DIY legal documents?
Wills can be invalid if improperly signed
Trusts can cause tax issues or probate problems if assets aren’t titled correctly
Guardianship petitions can be delayed or denied over missing information
Immigration filings can be rejected for even minor errors
Is it more expensive to hire a lawyer?
It may cost more up front, but working with an attorney often saves money in the long run. Fixing DIY mistakes is almost always more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Can a Nebraska attorney review documents I already created online?
Absolutely. I regularly review online documents and advise on whether they comply with Nebraska law or need revisions. But sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to start fresh than to fix something broken.
What legal services do you offer in Nebraska?
I work with clients on:
Estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney)
Guardianship and conservatorship petitions
Family law concerns involving custody, separation, and LGBTQ+ family protection
Family-based immigration and document review