Nolo offers legal articles, DIY products, and services to help individuals and small businesses navigate everyday legal challenges.
Features
- Extensive Legal Encyclopedia — Nolo offers a comprehensive library of free legal articles written in plain English by experienced attorneys and legal experts. Covering topics from personal injury and car accidents to bankruptcy, divorce, employment law, immigration, and business formation, this resource breaks through complex legalese to make legal information accessible to everyday people.
- DIY Legal Books & Software — A full suite of do-it-yourself legal tools including books, document preparation software, and downloadable resources. Flagship products like Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2025 enable users to create legally binding documents such as wills, trusts, and LLC formations without hiring an attorney, saving significant legal fees.
- Lawyer Directory & Referral Service — A searchable directory that connects users with local attorneys for consultations and one-on-one legal help. Users can search by legal issue type and geographic location, making it easy to find qualified professionals when self-help solutions aren't sufficient.
- Online Document Preparation — Nolo provides online tools for preparing legal documents, including LLC formation services and downloadable legal forms. This digital-first approach allows users to complete legal paperwork conveniently from home at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services.
- Broad Legal Topic Coverage — Content spans five major categories: Injuries & Illnesses, Criminal & Traffic, Money & Property, Business, and Everyday Legal Issues. Within these, users find detailed guidance on dozens of specific topics including workers' compensation, DUI/DWI, real estate, patents, trademarks, small claims court, and LGBTQ law.
- Trusted Editorial Standards Since 1971 — With over 50 years of experience as a pioneer in legal self-help publishing, Nolo's content is developed by experienced attorneys with a talent for making complicated material accessible. The company has been recognized by major publications as the nation's premier publisher of do-it-yourself legal resources.
Use Cases
Creating Wills and Estate Plans
Individuals and families use Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust software and estate planning books to draft legally valid wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives without paying expensive attorney fees. The platform guides users step-by-step through the process, ensuring documents meet state-specific requirements. Target Audience: Adults and families seeking affordable estate planning solutions, particularly those with straightforward assets and wishes who want to avoid the cost of hiring an estate planning attorney.
Small Business Formation & Compliance
Entrepreneurs and small business owners use Nolo to form LLCs and corporations online, understand trademark and copyright protections, and access guidance on ongoing business compliance. The platform provides both DIY formation tools and educational articles to help business owners make informed decisions. Target Audience: First-time entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who need to legally establish their businesses, protect intellectual property, and understand regulatory obligations without incurring high legal consultation costs.
Navigating Personal Legal Crises
Individuals facing unexpected legal challenges—such as car accidents, workplace injuries, divorce proceedings, or criminal charges—use Nolo's free articles to understand their rights, learn about the legal process, and determine next steps. The platform helps users assess whether they need professional legal representation or can handle matters themselves. Target Audience: Everyday people dealing with personal injury claims, workers' compensation cases, DUI charges, divorce, or employment disputes who need to quickly understand their legal options and rights before deciding whether to hire an attorney.
Landlord-Tenant Issue Resolution
Property owners and renters use Nolo's resources to understand landlord-tenant laws, draft lease agreements, handle eviction processes, and resolve security deposit disputes. The platform provides state-specific guidance and downloadable forms to help both parties navigate rental legalities. Target Audience: Independent landlords, property managers, and tenants who need practical legal guidance on rental agreements, eviction procedures, habitability issues, and fair housing compliance.
Pros
- Completely free access to an extensive library of expert-written legal articles covering virtually every common legal issue, making legal education accessible to all income levels.
- Over 50 years of trusted history as a pioneer in legal self-help publishing, with content developed by experienced attorneys who specialize in making complex legal concepts understandable to non-lawyers.
- Significant cost savings compared to traditional legal services—DIY tools like Quicken WillMaker and online LLC formation can save users hundreds or thousands of dollars in attorney fees.
- Comprehensive one-stop platform combining free educational content, DIY document tools, and a lawyer directory, allowing users to start with self-help and escalate to professional help when needed.
- Plain-English approach eliminates the intimidation factor of legal processes, empowering users to take control of their legal situations with confidence and informed decision-making.
Cons
- Self-help legal services are not permitted in all states, and the platform explicitly notes that its information does not constitute legal advice, which may limit usefulness for users in certain jurisdictions.
- DIY legal tools may not be suitable for complex or high-stakes legal situations—users with complicated estates, contentious divorces, or serious criminal charges may still require personalized attorney representation.
- The attorney directory listings are paid advertisements, which means search results may not always reflect the best or most qualified attorneys for a given issue, potentially leading to biased recommendations.
- No attorney-client or confidential relationship is formed through use of the site, meaning users cannot rely on Nolo's content as personalized legal counsel and must independently verify how information applies to their specific circumstances.
