Big Spring, with 26,310 people, is the seat of Howard County, so a process server in Big Spring, Texas does most of the work within a mile or so of the courthouse. The usual papers apply: citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices. Three speeds are on offer. The slowest and cheapest, Standard Service, plans an attempt within 5 business days, while Rush Service moves that to 48 hours and 24-Hour Service to 24 hours. A signed Rule 107 Return of Service is then emailed to the customer, giving you something to file with the clerk. The city covers 19.1 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in Big Spring: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. Those figures are the whole price list, shown on the pricing page and again on the order form. Howard County's constables and sheriff are another route, and the commissioners court determines what they charge under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is available too, which is a choice and not a recommendation.
Who May Serve Papers in Big Spring: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure keeps service in trusted hands. A sheriff or constable may serve. An adult at least 18 may serve if a written court order says so. A process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission may serve, and the clerk can mail a citation by registered or certified mail on request. Parties and interested persons never may. The certification guide explains the credential and its two-year term.
Where Big Spring Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Big Spring is Howard County's seat. The Howard County 118th District Courthouse is at 312 Scurry Street, Big Spring, TX 79721, about 1.0 miles from Big Spring's center. Justice court covers civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, but divorce is not heard there. A county court has overlapping authority for amounts over $200 up to $20,000 and a statutory county court or district court can take civil cases over $500 up to $325,000. The justice court precinct is determined by the address in dispute, so the justice court clerk is the one to confirm it. The Howard County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Big Spring: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Under the 2026 rules, a landlord in Big Spring who wants to evict gives a written notice to vacate of at least three days unless the lease or agreement says something else. It may go by mail, by a conspicuous placement inside the premises, by hand to a tenant 16 or older, or electronically if both sides agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count; if the last day is one, the landlord waits for the next business day. Next a sworn petition is filed in justice court. A private server may deliver the notice. The eviction citation is reserved for a sheriff or constable, and the landlord can ask for an alias citation if 5 business days pass without service.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Big Spring Defendants
Divorce defendants receive a citation and petition in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. Where those fail, a Rule 106(b) motion with a sworn statement on likely locations and what was tried can persuade the court to approve another method, such as papers left with someone over 16 or delivery by email or social media. For a company, the target is its registered agent, though a corporation's president or a vice president will do, and the Secretary of State covers the cases where no agent turns up. A default judgment is off limits until proof of service has been filed ten days. The 106(b) guide explains more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Big Spring
Big Spring Police Department is the local agency. Scenic Mountain Medical Center, 1601 W 11th Place, Big Spring, TX 79720, is about 0.4 miles away. Martin County Hospital District, 600 E Interstate 20 PO Box 640, Stanton, TX 79782, is about 20.9 miles. Big Spring subpoenas follow a simple recipe: hand the witness a copy and offer whatever fee the law requires. The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, due from the summoning party, and a records custodian gets $1. A nonparty documents subpoena requires 10 days' notice to all parties before service. Read the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Big Spring
Big Spring's ZIP codes are 79720 and 79721, and the only neighboring city listed is Stanton.
Big Spring Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party to the suit may not serve under Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent, a president or vice president, or the Secretary of State as a fallback. See services and the FAQ.
Can papers be taped to a door?
A Rule 106(b) order signed by the judge is the only thing that makes it acceptable.