If you own or are thinking about starting up a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, chances are you will run across the term “registered agent.” A registered agent acts as a legal representative of your business. This representative is required by law in each state in the United States.
Registered agents play a critical role in your business because of the importance of the position and responsibility they hold. To learn more about what a registered agent is, how it functions and how to choose one, keep reading.
Functions of a Registered Agent
A registered agent’s primary function is to accept service of process. In the event that you or your business is sued or involved in legal proceedings, legal documents will need to be officially served to notify you of impending court proceedings. This is almost always done in person by a process server.
The notification has to be done in an official manner to provide proof to the court that you were notified and allow for due process. Due process is your legal right to be notified of court proceedings of which you are a party. Typically, these legal documents include a summons and a complaint. Once the registered agent accepts the service, he or she will then notify you as the business owner.
In order to be an effective registered agent, the individual must be available during business hours to accept the service. This individual’s name and address will also be published with your company information.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent
Realistically, any adult aged 18 years and older can be a registered agent. You can act as a registered agent yourself, a member of your company can act as a registered agent, or you could even hire a friend or family member. The individual you choose will need to have a street address in the same state that your business operates.
The option that many companies choose to do is to hire a third party through a professional registered agent service. No matter who you choose, the person must be trustworthy and knowledgeable as they are responsible for handling important documents
How to Choose a Registered Agent
When deciding who you want to represent your company and act as a registered agent, there are a few things that you must consider.
The Registered Agent’s address will be public, so the person who acts as your company’s registered agent must be comfortable with that being readily available to anyone.
When a registered agent accepts service of process, they will be doing so at the address designated. If this is your place of business, you need to consider whether or not you would feel comfortable with someone being served potentially in front of your customers.
And finally and perhaps most importantly, the person you choose to act as your registered agent must be available during business hours a previously mentioned. If they are not available when service is attempted, there can be legal consequences. For example, if you were to be your own, you would not be able to go on vacation or leave in the event that a process server needed to serve your company.
Choose URA For Your Registered Agent Service
Universal Registered Agents has exceptional experience in the industry and has a strong reputation for being knowledgeable, current with related legislation, and a trustworthy registered agent service. If you’d like to connect with URA to secure a registered agent for your business, contact us today by calling (855) 236-9172.
