Use the exact legal name
Provide the entity’s full legal name, jurisdiction, entity type, and any known former names or trade names.
Attorney Resource Center
Serving Corporations and Registered Agents
Business names, entity types, registrations, authorized recipients, and office locations must be confirmed before service. A trade name, dissolved company, foreign entity, and active Massachusetts corporation may require different analysis.
- Massachusetts-focused guidance
- Official-source references
- Practical assignment planning
Key Considerations
Plan the assignment carefully
Assignment Checklist
Information that supports efficient service
- Complete, final document set
- Exact recipient name and legal capacity
- Best known service address and alternate addresses
- Applicable deadline and urgency
- Requested method and special instructions
- Reliable identifying and access information
- Attorney or staff reporting contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Corporations and Registered Agents
Can papers be left with any employee?
Not automatically. The proper recipient and method depend on the governing authority and facts.
Should a corporate database printout be included?
It can be useful supporting information, but counsel should provide clear instructions based on current authoritative records and governing law.
What if the company is dissolved or inactive?
Counsel should determine the legally appropriate recipient and method. The server should report observed conditions and any refusal or vacancy.
Can multiple related entities be served with one packet?
Each legal entity and recipient should be clearly identified, with separate copies and instructions when required.
Attorney Process Serving
Ready to submit the assignment?
Send complete documents, recipient information, deadline, and service instructions.