Legal Definitions - C/O

The abbreviation C/O stands for "care of." It is used in an address to indicate that mail or correspondence should be delivered to a person who does not permanently reside at that address, but rather through another individual or organization located there. Essentially, it designates an intermediary responsible for receiving and forwarding the mail to the intended recipient.

• Example 1: Temporary Residence

  Imagine a college student, Sarah, who is studying abroad for a semester and staying in a temporary apartment. Her parents want to send her a package, but they know the local postal service might be unreliable for direct delivery to her temporary address. Instead, they address the package to:

  Sarah Miller
  c/o Professor Elena Rodriguez
  Department of International Studies
  University of Barcelona
  Spain

  This illustrates "c/o" because the package is intended for Sarah, but it is directed to Professor Rodriguez's care at the university. The professor acts as the intermediary, receiving the package and ensuring it reaches Sarah, who is not the primary addressee at the university's mailing address.

• Example 2: Business Correspondence

  A freelance graphic designer, David, is working on a large project for a client, "InnovateTech Solutions." InnovateTech needs to send David some physical design specifications and contract documents. David primarily works from his home office, but for official project correspondence, he prefers it to go through the client's main office to ensure secure delivery and easy tracking.

  The client addresses the documents to:

  David Chen
  c/o InnovateTech Solutions
  123 Corporate Drive
  Suite 400
  Cityville, CA 90210

  Here, "c/o InnovateTech Solutions" indicates that while David Chen is the ultimate recipient, the mail should be delivered to the InnovateTech Solutions office. An employee at InnovateTech will then be responsible for receiving the mail and passing it on to David, who is not a permanent employee or resident at that corporate address.

• Example 3: Legal Representation

  Maria is involved in a legal dispute and has retained an attorney, Mr. Thompson, to represent her. To ensure all legal correspondence is handled professionally and promptly, Maria instructs the opposing party and the court to send all official notices and documents to her attorney's office.

  The court sends a notice addressed to:

  Maria Rodriguez
  c/o Thompson & Associates Law Firm
  500 Justice Avenue
  Legal City, NY 10001

  In this context, "c/o Thompson & Associates Law Firm" signifies that the legal notice is for Maria Rodriguez, but it is to be delivered to her attorney's firm. The law firm acts as the designated intermediary, receiving the document on Maria's behalf and ensuring she is properly informed and advised regarding the legal matter.