A registered agent is a person or entity responsible for acting as the official point of contact for an LLC or corporation within a state. Their role involves receiving legal documents, service of process, and official state communications, which they then forward to the respective LLC or corporation.
The agent’s title varies based on the state of registration and can include terms like registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, agent for service of process, or registered office. These designations all emphasize the agent’s physical presence within the state of registration and their primary role in receiving service of process.
Every LLC and corporation must have a registered agent in the state of registration. This requirement also applies to any LLC and corporation that conducts business as an out-of-state entity. Given that most states include this requirement in statutory rules for LLCs and Corporations, failing to list a registered agent can lead to state penalties or failure to conduct business within a state.
When initiating a lawsuit against an entity like a corporation or LLC, it can be challenging to identify who is authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the entity. However, because an LLC or corporation is required to designate a registered agent, plaintiffs find it more straightforward to serve the registered agent as their information is readily available to the public.
Upon designating a registered agent at the time of formation, an entity is responsible for maintaining such agent in the state where it intends to conduct business. For many entities, appointing an owner or attorney as registered agent may appear convenient, but there are downsides. Individuals may be unavailable when legal documents arrive, lacking proper training for this role, and changes like job resignations and relocations can arise, necessitating the appointment of a new registered agent.
Opting for a professional registered agent is advised as their sole responsibility is to always be available to receive and promptly forward crucial state and legal documents to the correct party. This reliability is especially crucial in responding to lawsuits, which have tight deadlines to prevent default judgements. Moreover, most professional registered agents have a legal team and established connections with state legislators, enabling them to diligently track and relay changes in the legal landscape to its clients.
Selecting a registered agent for a corporation or LLC is a critical decision, carrying potential risks for the company if the role is not done properly. For additional information on how to select a reliable and trusted registered agent, contact the Presser Law Firm, P.A. at (561) 953-1050 or email Info@AssetProtectionAttorneys.com.