Registered Agent for Service of Process

What is Service of Process?

Service of process is the delivery of a lawsuit within a state to the designated party of an organization. When an organization is being served with a lawsuit, there must be a designated party in whichever state the lawsuit is being served in to receive it.

What is an agent for service of process?

An agent for service of process is a party designated by a business entity to receive legal documents on their behalf within the state in which the agent’s address is located. Depending on the state, agents for service of process are also known as registered agents, resident agents, statutory agents, or commercial registered office providers.

How does service of process work?

Service of process is delivered from the process server to a registered agent. Once they receive the documents, the registered agent then gives it to the named business or organization. The unpredictability of service of process is one of the reasons organizations prefer using a commercial agent for service of process. Commercial agents provide dependable round the clock service.

Why do you need an agent for service of process?

You must list a registered agent on the paperwork with the secretary of state when forming an LLC, corporation, or other legal entity. When your business expands into a new state, through a process called foreign qualification, you must list a local registered agent in the new state as well. A great reason to choose a national registered agent is that you can enjoy the simplicity of a single service provider as your business grows.

Businesses and organizations need a designated person or commercial registered agent within a state to receive official government notifications, which could include legal and tax notifications, annual report forms, correspondence from the secretary of state, and other business notices.

Dependable service is your company’s first and best defense against unwanted legal outcomes, including default judgment. A commercial agent for service of process has the experience needed to provide an added layer of protection.

How do you change agents for service of process?

In order to change your agent for service of process, an appropriate document must be filed with the secretary of state. The document depends on the state, but often an agent for service of process can be changed by filing a change of agent form or by editing your registered agent in your annual report filing.