Bay City is both the largest city in Matagorda County and its seat, with 18,053 people on 9.3 square miles, so a process server in Bay City, Texas often finishes a job within a mile of the courthouse. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices are all accepted. Standard Service plans an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. A signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service reaches you by email after delivery. Hospitals are farther, with the nearest listed about 10.4 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Bay City: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service costs $69. Rush Service costs $119. 24-Hour Service costs $169. See the pricing page and the order form. Matagorda County's constables and sheriff may serve too, with fees set by the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131). Private service is simply an alternative.
Who May Serve Papers in Bay City: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
In Matagorda County, as elsewhere in Texas, Rule 103 lets three groups serve process: officers such as sheriffs and constables, adults 18 or older named in a written court order, and process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. It excludes parties and persons with an interest in the outcome. The certification guide covers the credential.
Where Bay City Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Matagorda County Courthouse is at 1700 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414, about 0.6 miles from Bay City's center, and Bay City is the county seat. Justice court hears civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, not divorces. County courts take amounts above $200 up to $20,000 and civil cases over $500 up to $325,000 can go to a statutory county court or a district court. The justice court clerk can confirm which precinct covers an address. The Matagorda County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Bay City: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Bay City landlords begin evictions with a written notice to vacate of at least three days, unless the lease or agreement sets a different period. Mail, a conspicuous spot inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, or agreed electronic communication all qualify. Weekend and holiday days count, and a last day on one rolls to the next business day. The sworn petition then goes to justice court. A private server may deliver the notice, but the eviction citation must be served by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation can be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Bay City Defendants
Divorce citations reach a spouse by hand or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If a spouse cannot be found, the plaintiff may move under Rule 106(b), supporting the motion with a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier efforts, and the judge may allow papers left with someone over 16, or email or social media. Businesses are served through a registered agent, a president or vice president, or the Secretary of State. No default judgment is possible until proof of service has been on file ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Bay City
Bay City Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Matagorda Regional Medical Center, 104 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414 (about 10.4 miles), Sweeny Community Hospital, 305 North Mckinney, Sweeny, TX 77480 (about 16.8 miles), and Palacios Community Medical Center, 311 Green Avenue, Palacios, TX 77465 (about 23.9 miles). A subpoena is served by handing the witness a copy with any fee required: $10 per day of attendance from the summoning party and $1 for a records custodian. A nonparty documents subpoena needs 10 days' notice to all parties. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Bay City
Bay City's ZIP code is 77414, and Sweeny is the neighbor listed.
Bay City Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 bars parties.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent, an officer, or the Secretary of State. See services and the FAQ.