Alice is the Jim Wells County seat, and its courthouse is only 0.4 miles from the city's center, so a process server in Alice, Texas has an easy first stop. This city of 17,878 people on 12.0 square miles can receive citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices. Standard Service fixes the attempt at within 5 business days. Rush Service sets it within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service sets it within 24 hours. The signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you after the papers are delivered.
What a Process Server Costs in Alice: Three Flat Tiers
The Alice price list holds three entries. Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. All three show up on the pricing page and the order form. The Jim Wells County constables and sheriff can serve too, with fees the commissioners court decides under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is a further option, not a ranking.
Who May Serve Papers in Alice: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
A good rule of thumb: if you care how the case comes out, you cannot serve it. That is Rule 103's exclusion. The people who can serve are sheriffs and constables, other persons authorized by law, adults 18 or older named in a written court order, and process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide explains the credential.
Where Alice Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Alice hosts the county courts itself. The Jim Wells County Courthouse is at 200 North Almond Street, Alice, TX 78332, about 0.4 miles from Alice's center. Justice court takes civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, not divorces. County courts overlap above $200 up to $20,000. A civil case over $500 up to $325,000 can be heard by a statutory county court or a district court. Which precinct covers an address depends on the address, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Jim Wells County page.
Eviction Notices in Alice: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For an Alice landlord, the notice to vacate comes before the lawsuit. It must be written and must allow at least three days unless the lease or agreement says something else. Mail works. A conspicuous placement inside the premises works. Hand delivery to a tenant who is 16 or older works, as does electronic communication agreed in writing. The days run through weekends and holidays, though a last day on one moves to the next business day. After the notice period, the sworn petition goes to the justice court. A private server may deliver the notice; the eviction citation is for a sheriff or constable only, and an alias citation may be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Alice Defendants
Serving a divorce defendant starts with personal delivery of the citation and petition, or registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. Where neither succeeds, Rule 106(b) lets the plaintiff seek court-approved service, backed by a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts. Orders have covered papers left with someone over 16 and email or social media. A business can be served through its registered agent, a corporation's president or vice president, or the Secretary of State. The court cannot grant a default judgment until proof of service has been on file ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Alice
Alice Police Department takes local reports. Hospitals in range: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, 2500 E Main Street, Alice, TX 78332 (about 4.7 miles) and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg, 1311 East General Cavazos Blvd, Kingsville, TX 78363 (about 22.5 miles). Subpoenas go to the witness as a copy with any fee the law requires. The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the summoning party, and the custodian fee is $1. For documents from a nonparty, give all parties 10 days' notice before service. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Alice
Alice has ZIP code 78332. San Diego and Orange Grove are the neighbors listed.
Alice Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Parties are barred from serving under Rule 103.
What if the person avoids service?
Keep a record of each try and ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order. See the services page and the FAQ for related answers.