| The Internet provides us with a vast array
of resources for just about any topic you can think of; however, not all options are equal
when shopping around for products or services. The same is true for companies offering
professional registered agent / resident agent services on the web. The options can range
from bureaucratic ridden overpriced companies to inexperienced start-up companies. In this
article we will help you select the right registered agent service company for your
business.
What Should I Be Looking For?
Step one in finding the right provider is to confirm that
they specialize in registered agent services.
Being able to receive service of process on a
company’s behalf and deliver the time sensitive materials in a reliable and
expeditious manner is the single most important job of any registered agent. Service of
process is a legal notice, typically notice of a lawsuit. If your registered agent fails
to provide you with this notice of a lawsuit against you, you will not know that you are a
party to a lawsuit and therefore you will fail to answer. This could result in an adverse
judgment from a court against you and your company. Many companies provide registered
agent services as simply an add-on to their other services. In many cases, these companies
do not have the necessary resources or expertise needed to offer reliable registered agent
services to their clients.
Professional registered agents must be available to receive
service of process during normal business hours. If your designated agent is not available
to receive service of process documents on your behalf, you are at risk of having a
default judgment entered against your company. A default judgment is entered when one
party fails to answer a complaint against them and appear in court for the lawsuit.
Another important factor to consider when searching for the
right online provider is the accessibility and experience of the customer service
representatives.
Sometimes larger companies use one customer service group
to support all types of services. You should confirm that the company you choose has
dedicated representatives that are always available when you have questions.
Understanding fee structures is also very
important.
You will need to investigate if there are any hidden costs
not revealed in marketing text. Less reputable companies will offer their services for
lower than market standards, but charge extra “service charges” for delivery and
postage fees when forwarding legal documents.
How Important is a Registered Agent’s Reputation?
Reputation is very important. It is good practice to check
with the Better Business Bureau before making an online purchase. National Registered
Agents, Inc. has a BBB rating of A+. Choose a company who has a successful history of
providing services. If your registered agent disappears or goes bankrupt, it leaves you
and your company at risk.
Adding Extra Value
A reputable service company will offer additional tools
that will help your business stay in compliance.
These tools help ensure that state deadlines and other
important filings are not inadvertently missed. Registered agent companies that have
developed these types of additional services understand the needs of their clients and
will offer compliance solutions to keep your company in good standing.
What if Legal Action is Taken Against My Company?
If or when legal action is taken against your company, your
agent should offer many different options for notifying you. You will want to receive
immediate notification which should include a phone call with details regarding the
action, a summary transmittal form specifying the details of the documents served, e-mail
notification containing action details, and finally a copy of the critical documents sent
via express mail.
Conclusion
There are many things to look for when choosing a
registered agent online. This article is intended to provide an overview of the things to
consider the next time that you are starting or expanding your business into new states
and require a registered agent. |
