What Is Resident Agent Representation?
There are many things that you need to be aware of when you are forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Your business would need a registered agent, and it makes sense to hire a business lawyer to act in this role. Having a lawyer as your registered agent can help your business operate seamlessly and manage your own risks.
Your LLC Needs a Registered Agent to Do Business
There are reasons why your business may be structured as a limited liability company. Here, your total liability would be limited to the amount of assets that are in the LLC. When you are incorporating an LLC, you would be faced with a choice of which state you want to locate your business in. You may choose a state that is different from the one in which you live to incorporate your LLC. However, your LLC needs to have a physical presence in the state.
There may be reasons why someone else may need to be able to find you physically. For example, you may be served with court papers if your LLC is being sued. You may need to receive mail from the government about tax issues.
These communications must be delivered to your business where it is located, even if you are not physically present. You need an actual representative to be allowed to do business in the state where you are registered as an LLC.
If you are not located in the area, you would need a registered agent to represent you. Having a registered agent is a prerequisite for being allowed to conduct business in the state. If your LLC does not have a registered agent, it would not be in good standing. Then, you would not be allowed to do business in the state, and your bank accounts may even be closed. You would lose the protection that an LLC offers you, as well as any tax benefits.
Why You Want a Business Lawyer as a Registered Agent
When you are hiring someone to serve as a registered agent, you should consider retaining a lawyer to perform this role. There are numerous benefits to having a lawyer serve in the role of a registered agent, including:
- A lawyer can give you legal advice about the documents you receive.
- Your lawyer can help you act if those documents require you to take legal action.
- A lawyer is bound by confidentiality, and they will handle the matter professionally.
- A lawyer can help you be proactive in dealing with any situations that emerge.
- A lawyer has a physical office and address, and it is easy for them to be reached.
There are businesses that offer registered agent services. However, these businesses cannot provide you with the same level of service that a lawyer can.
They may simply be in a role where they receive information and notifications and then let you know. While you may be spending the same amount of money, you are not getting as much for it.
Regardless, your LLC should have a lawyer on retainer to help you with any legal issues. It makes sense to have the same person designated as your resident agent, both because it is in the best interest of your business and for purposes of convenience. Your lawyer’s experience and knowledge could help you avoid litigation entirely. If you are facing a lawsuit, your lawyer could provide you with legal representation.
Contact an Annapolis Business Lawyer at Oliveri & Larsen Today Regarding Your Business Needs
An Annapolis business lawyer at Oliveri & Larsen can handle your corporate needs, working in partnership with you. We can help you establish your company and help with issues that may arise as you get your business off the ground. You can schedule an initial consultation by calling us at 410-295-3000 or by contacting us online. Our office is located in Annapolis, Maryland, and we proudly serve clients in Ocean City, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, St. Mary’s County, Worcester County, Kent County, and the upper and lower Eastern Shores of Maryland.