U.S. businesses are required to designate a “registered agent”—someone authorized to receive legal documents such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and formal state correspondence. Many executives in Chicago are unaware of where and how to find registered agent services.

Fortunately, businesses have options. One important factor to consider before hiring a registered agent is whether the provider offers a comprehensive range of services that will protect businesses large and small from potential legal risks. So, what is a registered agent and how can UpCounsel help? Let’s take a comprehensive look at the subject and review the steps businesses should take when engaging with a registered agent service.

What is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent—also known as a “resident agent” or a “statutory agent”—is a person or business entity appointed to receive important legal documents such as legal notice, lawsuits, and subpoenas on behalf of a company. This is an essential component of the legal structure of a business, as it provides the state and appointed legal representatives with a location to serve documents and provide notice.

In most states, all corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) must have a registered agent on file with the state. The same is often true of partnerships, nonprofit organizations, and foreign corporations registered in that state. A registered agent must accept any legal documents or notices presented by state or judicial agents, typically by mail or hand delivery.

The registered agent’s role is complex and requires expertise in a range of legal services. It can involve filing business formation documents such as Articles of Incorporation, monitoring filings, and helping businesses comply with various state and local regulatory and compliance requirements. Businesses should ensure that they engage a reputable registered agent where there are no potential conflicts of interest.

The Benefits of Using a Professional Service as a Registered Agent

Engaging a professional registered agent service such as UpCounsel comes with several clear benefits. These include:

A nationally-recognized service with years of expertise in the field

Dependable and secure document filing

24/7 support

Proactive approach to document delivery

Advice on how to comply with local regulations

Highly experienced attorneys with an understanding of local regulation in Chicago.

These represent only a small fraction of the services UpCounsel can provide. The company has an extensive network of experienced lawyers across the United States who can provide high quality, cost-effective legal services on demand. Whether you need a single consultation for a specific project or an entire network of freelance attorneys, UpCounsel brings talent to the table that is second to none.

Finding a Reliable Provider of Registered Agent Services in Chicago

Finding the right registered agent service in a major city such as Chicago can be a daunting task for any executive. To ensure that you find the right provider, it is important to do your research and read reviews, speak with other executives who have had experience with the prospective service, and pay attention to reviews and ratings that each registered agent provider may have received.

With UpCounsel, executives can quickly browse through attorneys’ profiles, read ratings and reviews of recent work, and view client feedback in order to make an informed decision. Business attorneys on the platform have an average of 14 years of experience, and the site allows customers to customize their search to find an attorney that best meets their specific needs.

In the end

Engaging a reliable service such as UpCounsel for registered agent services is essential for any business, regardless of size. A reliable registered agent service can provide experienced legal counsel, ensure documents are filed securely, and advise on local regulations. When selecting a registered agent service in Chicago, research and reviews must be conducted in order to make an informed decision.

Topics:

Registered Agent Services,

Legal Counsel,

Professional Service