How can I check to see if a Model(MVC) is valid?

How can I check to see if a Model(MVC) is valid?

Hello Group,
 
I am trying to check to see if a model is valid(without errors) when the page loads.  Using VB.NET is there a way of doing this? 
 Also, I am trying to do this in the .ascx page... i only see for the modelstate methods of Equals and referenceequals....

Here is the code I using which doesnt work...
 

<%

If ChampionTrees.Common.Models.PersonIndicator.Owner And Len(LTrim(RTrim(Html.Encode(Model.LastName)))) < 1 And _

Len(LTrim(RTrim(Html.Encode(Model.FirstName)))) > 1

And ModelState.Equals( True , True ) Then %>

 
 
thanks in advance
 
Lee