Legal forms kits promise to save you thousands in attorney fees, but they only work if you pick the right one for your situation. Before you download a template or enroll in an online course, you need to understand what you're actually getting and whether it fits your needs. Here's what you should know.
What's Included in a Legal Forms Kit?
A legal forms kit typically bundles pre-drafted documents into a single purchase—usually as downloadable PDFs or editable Word files. Common bundles include:
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Rental agreements and lease templates
- Business formation documents (LLC, corporation, partnership)
- Employment contracts
- Prenuptial agreements
- Living wills and healthcare directives
Most kits are state-specific, which matters. A California LLC operating agreement won't work in Texas. Check that the kit explicitly covers your state before purchasing. Prices usually range from $30–$150 per kit, depending on complexity and comprehensiveness.
How Do Legal Courses Differ from Forms Kits?
A forms kit gives you templates; a legal course teaches you how to use them and understand the law behind them. Courses typically run 3–8 hours of video content and cost $50–$300. They're useful if you're unfamiliar with legal concepts or need to customize documents beyond simple fill-in-the-blank fields.
If you just need a straightforward will or rental agreement and don't need education, a forms kit saves you time and money. If you're starting a business or handling something complex like estate planning with minor children, a course might be worth the extra investment.
Who Actually Benefits from DIY Legal Products?
These tools work best for straightforward situations: single individuals without substantial assets writing a basic will, landlords using standard lease agreements, or freelancers setting up simple service contracts. They're less appropriate for contested divorces, complex business structures, or situations involving significant debt, intellectual property, or family conflict.
The general rule: if your situation is simple and low-stakes, a forms kit handles it. If there's ambiguity, complexity, or high financial consequences, consult an attorney, even if you start with a forms kit as a reference point.
What Quality Indicators Should You Look For?
Not all legal forms are created equal. Legitimate providers:
- Clearly state which states their forms cover
- Show the last update date (legal requirements change)
- Include instructions or explanatory guides
- Offer money-back guarantees (usually 30 days)
- Have user reviews visible on independent sites or their own platform
Watch out for kits that are extremely cheap ($5–$10) with no reviews, promise they work "nationwide" without qualification, or lack any customer support contact information. These are often outdated templates scraped from free sources.
If you're comparing multiple providers and need side-by-side evaluations of features, pricing, and user reviews, Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted Legal Books, Forms Kits & Courses providers all in one place, saving research time.
Should You Buy from Established Companies or Smaller Providers?
Established companies like LawDepot, Rocket Lawyer, and Nolo have been around 10+ years, invest in legal reviews, and maintain customer support. Smaller independent sellers or solo practitioners sometimes offer customized packages at lower prices but may lack scale and backup support.
Neither is inherently better—it depends on your comfort level. If you want reassurance and a company backing their work, pay the premium for established brands. If you're confident in your research skills and want cheaper options, smaller providers can work.
How Much Do You Actually Save?
A basic attorney consultation runs $150–$350 per hour. A simple will might take 1–2 hours, so you're looking at $150–$700 from a lawyer. A forms kit costs $40–$100 and takes you 30–90 minutes to complete. The savings are real, but they scale with complexity.
For a second mortgage document or contested business dissolution, you'll lose money and create legal problems by going DIY. Know your threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I edit templates after downloading, or are they locked? Most reputable kits provide editable Word documents or PDFs that you can customize. Some premium courses include video walkthroughs showing exactly what to change for your situation.
Q: What happens if I use an outdated template? Laws change—especially regarding taxes, business registration, and family law. Using a five-year-old form might result in invalid documents or missed legal requirements. Always verify the kit's update date matches the current year.
Q: Do I need a course or just a forms kit? If you understand the basics and your situation is straightforward, a forms kit suffices. Take a course if you're confused about legal concepts, need to heavily customize documents, or want confidence before finalizing something important.
Compare providers on Mercoly to find the kit or course that matches your needs and budget.