Professional Resident Agent Services in Maryland
If you need to have a resident agent (also known as a registered agent) in Maryland for your business entity, Ms. Berschler provides efficient, cost effective and timely service so that you will receive notice of all communication she receives, whether it is from a governmental authority or the initiation of a lawsuit. Please contact Barbara Berschler if you would like more details as to how she can assist you.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about resident agents:
What is a Resident Agent?
A "resident agent," sometimes called a "registered agent," is someone you designate to receive "service of process" should your business entity be sued. (Service of process refers to the legal papers that start a lawsuit.) The registered agent also may receive official papers from the state government which relate to keeping your business entity in good standing for that state. Most states require business entities that are operating in their borders to designate a registered agent.
Who can serve as a Resident Agent?
If your business entity is set up in one state, the register agent could be a principal of your entity who lives in that state. However, if your entity is doing business in more than one state, you will need to have a registered agent in each of those other states. Resident agents can be individuals who reside in the state or legal entities which are set up to provide such services.
Why do you need a Resident Agent?
There are several reasons why, as a business owner, you need the services of a resident agent. First, it is a requirement of the state where you set up your entity, whether you operate as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, etc. The state wants to have a legal address where important papers can be sent and notices provided. Second, failure to have a registered agent with a current address could mean your entity was no longer in "good standing" in that state. Third, if you do not have a resident agent in every state where you do business, you will not know if your business is being sued there. That could lead to the plaintiff obtaining a default judgment against your business in their state and then taking that judgment and having it recognized in your home state. Trying to undo that situation could be very costly. Why is it a good idea to have a professional resident agent?
It can be worth the relatively small yearly fee to hire someone to be your entity's registered agent, even in your home state, for a number of reasons. Providing that kind of service is their business, they will act promptly to deliver your papers to you once they receive them. If you act as your own agent or have a "friend" do it, this kind of important paperwork could get lost. If you move, you may forget to update the mailing address with the state. And another important consideration could be to give you anonymity. The articles of incorporation are public documents. If you would prefer to limit information about the ownership of your entity, especially in the case of smaller organizations, letting a professional act as your registered agent can help in preserving your privacy.
