Entity and corporate filings
Service of process
The formal delivery of legal documents, such as a lawsuit or subpoena, that notifies a business of a legal action. Usually delivered to the registered agent.
Service of process is the formal delivery of legal documents that puts a business on notice of a lawsuit or similar action. Delivery is generally made to the registered agent at the address on file, which is the main reason states require an agent available during business hours.
Once documents are served, deadlines to respond begin to run, so prompt handling matters. Businesses that travel or work out of the office often use a service that receives, scans, and forwards documents quickly so a notice is never discovered too late.
Related terms
Where this comes up
Service of process is one piece of getting and keeping a business licensed. We handle the filings, bonds, and renewals that surround it across every state where you operate.