REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES
Each Virginia corporation and liability company and each foreign corporation and limited liability company authorized to conduct business in Virginia must have a registered agent with a registered office in Virginia. Failure to maintain a Registered Agent can result in loss of corporate or limited liability company status. Additionally, if a responsible party is not available to receive service at all times, then your company could be unaware of a legal claim and a judgment may be entered against it.
Foreign companies which do not have any officers, directors, managers or members with offices in Virginia, however, must appoint a member of the Virginia State Bar to serve as their registered agent. Many owners of smaller business who have an office in Virginia may choose to serve as their own registered agents although many business owners in Virginia may wish to obtain the services of a member of the Virginia State Bar. It can provide peace of mind and many conveniences. It allows the business owner the freedom to be away from the office. It provides a layer of privacy, protecting you from being served with legal process in front of customers, clients, vendors or neighbors. This can be especially true in the case of home operated businesses who do not want to be served with a law suit in front of guests or relatives. Having an appointed registered agent also allows the business the freedom to change locations as your company grows, without filing change of address with the state each time. Additionally, many entities such as non-profit corporations and home owner associations change officers and directors each year. With the change in officers and directors, the organization must file for a change in registered agent or risk losing its status or being sued without having an opportunity to respond.
The registered agent serves a critical purpose and is an important part of protecting your corporate status and your company’s future. If you are in Virginia, you can do it yourself but the risk and inconvenience is not really worth the minimal cost involved. The law office of Bernard J.E. van Gils charges just $125.00 per year to serve as registered agent for Virginia corporations and limited liability companies or for foreign corporations and limited liability companies authorized to transact business in this Commonwealth. Please contact us for more information if you are interested.