A process server in Abernathy, Texas, a Hale County city of 2,864 that sits 26.2 miles from the courthouse in Plainview, can serve citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate at Standard for $69 (attempt within 5 business days), Rush for $119 (within 48 hours) or 24-Hour for $169 (within 24 hours), and the signed Return of Service under Rule 107 is emailed once delivery is done.
What a Process Server Costs in Abernathy: Three Flat Tiers
Here is how the tiers compare by timing. A $69 Standard order waits as long as five business days. A $119 Rush order is attempted within 48 hours. A $169 24-Hour order is attempted within 24 hours. Both the pricing page and the order form show the same three lines. The fees of Hale County's sheriff and constables are determined by commissioners court (Local Gov't Code 118.131), so they are a different quantity from these flat tiers.
Who May Serve Papers in Abernathy: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas keeps the list short in Rule 103. Officers (sheriffs and constables) may serve. Adults of at least 18 may serve if a written court order authorizes them. So may anyone holding certification from the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Whoever has a stake in the lawsuit may not, which rules out the parties.
Where Abernathy Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Plainview is the seat of Hale County, and the Hale County Courthouse at 500 Broadway Street is about 26.2 miles from Abernathy, so in-person filing takes planning. Justice court takes evictions and civil claims up to $20,000. A county court overlaps above $200 and a statutory county court reaches $325,000. Which precinct applies follows the address in dispute, and the county's justice court clerk can confirm. See the Hale County hub.
Eviction Notices in Abernathy: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Landlords send a written notice to vacate before filing. Three days is the least, unless the lease sets a different period. They may mail it, leave it inside in a conspicuous place, or hand it to a tenant 16 or older, and a private server can deliver by hand. Once the suit is on file, the court's eviction citation can only be served by a sheriff or constable.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Abernathy Defendants
In a divorce, the citation and petition are supposed to reach the defendant personally or through return-receipt mail. If the defendant cannot be reached, the plaintiff can ask the judge under Rule 106(b), supporting the motion with a sworn description of the places tried. Corporate defendants answer through registered agents. A default is not available until the return has been on file ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Abernathy
Lubbock hospitals are the nearest on file: Lubbock Heart Hospital LP, 4810 North Loop 289, about 15.9 miles; University Medical Center, 602 Indiana Avenue, about 16.4 miles; and Covenant Medical Center, 3615 19th Street, about 17.4 miles. Abernathy also has a Police Department. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance and a records custodian $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Abernathy
Abernathy is ZIP 79311. Shallowater, Idalou and Petersburg are neighbors.
Abernathy Process Server FAQ
Can I deliver my own papers?
No, parties cannot.
How is a company served?
By delivery to its registered agent.