A process server in Bacliff, Texas delivers Galveston County citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate, and the tier you pick decides whether the attempt comes within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours. Proof is a signed Return of Service, emailed after delivery. Bacliff is an unincorporated community, a Census-designated place of 9,677 people at the 2020 Census, and with no city government its cases are filed in the Galveston County courts about 17.6 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Bacliff: Three Flat Tiers
At the low end, Standard Service costs $69 and the first knock on a Bacliff door comes within 5 business days. Rush Service, priced at $119 and meant for a tighter calendar, brings the attempt within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service at $169 brings it within 24 hours. A Texas state-court citation or summons adds $100 to the tier, since Rule 103 allows only a sheriff, constable or certified process server to serve it. Prices sit on the pricing page; Bacliff jobs start on the order form.
Galveston County's commissioners court sets sheriff and constable fees every year under Local Government Code 118.131, and a private server is an alternative.
Who May Serve Papers in Bacliff: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Bacliff. Its deputies and Galveston County constables serve process under Rule 103, which also allows adults 18 or older authorized by law or written court order, and anyone certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Parties and interested persons may not serve. See the certification guide.
Where Bacliff Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Galveston is the county seat, and the Galveston County Justice Center is at 600 59th Street, Galveston, TX 77551. A Galveston County justice court hears evictions and civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, never divorce, slander, defamation, land title or lien-on-land suits. County courts share jurisdiction above $200 to $20,000. Statutory county courts and the district court share civil cases from $500 to $325,000 excluding interest, damages, penalties, fees and costs.
Bacliff's justice precinct depends on the address in dispute; confirm it with the Galveston County justice court clerk. The Galveston County hub has more.
Eviction Notices in Bacliff: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
From January 1, 2026, an eviction suit requires a prior written notice to vacate giving at least three days, unless a written lease or agreement sets a different time; nonpayment can be met with a notice to pay rent or vacate. Mail, conspicuous placement inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, and agreed electronic delivery are all permitted. Weekends and holidays are included in the count, and a final day on one rolls to the next business day.
The notice may come by private server. The eviction citation itself is served only by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office or a constable; if 5 business days pass after filing, the landlord may ask for an alias citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Bacliff Defendants
Service begins with personal delivery of the citation and petition, or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. If neither works, the petitioner can seek a Rule 106(b) order with a sworn or penalty-of-perjury statement listing where the respondent is probably found and the attempts made; the court may then allow delivery to someone over 16 there, or by email or social media. A door or a relative is not service without that order. Read the Rule 106(b) guide.
Companies are served on their registered agent, or for corporations the president or a vice president. No default judgment until the return has been on file ten days, excluding filing and judgment days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Bacliff
Closest is Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, 18300 St John Drive, Nassau Bay, TX 77058, at roughly 6.5 miles. Memorial Hermann Houston Physicians Hospital, 333 N Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598, is about 8.4 miles, and HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, 500 W Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598, about 9.1 miles. Reports from a deputy's call are subpoenaed from the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
Witnesses are owed $10 per day of attendance at the time the subpoena is served; records custodians, $1. See the witness fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Bacliff
Every Bacliff address shares ZIP code 77518, and the community is ringed by Texas City, League City and Kemah.
Bacliff Process Server FAQ
Can papers be taped to a door?
No. That takes a Rule 106(b) order, granted only after normal service has failed.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
After ten days on file, not counting the filing day or judgment day.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No; parties may not serve their own case.