Anyone with business in Washington County courts will pass through Brenham, a city of 17,358 people on 13.1 square miles that doubles as the county seat, and a process server in Brenham, TX can put citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices in the right hands close to the courthouse. The cheapest speed, Standard Service, starts with an attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service starts within 48 hours and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. Afterward, a signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you. Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham is under a mile from the city's center.
What a Process Server Costs in Brenham: Three Flat Tiers
Three rates apply here. Standard Service costs $69. Rush Service costs $119. 24-Hour Service costs $169. Each matches the timing described above, and the pricing page and the order form show the same. Constables and the sheriff in Washington County can serve as well, at fees the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Brenham: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 says more about who must stay out than who gets in. The plaintiff stays out, and so does the defendant, and so does anyone else with a stake in how the case ends. Those who remain eligible are sheriffs, constables and 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 has more on the credential.
Where Brenham Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Brenham is the Washington County seat, and the Washington County Courthouse is at 100 East Main, Brenham, TX 77833, about 0.6 miles from the center of town. Small civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions go to justice court; divorces do not. County courts also take amounts above $200 up to $20,000. A civil case over $500 up to $325,000 may be heard by either a statutory county court or a district court. Which precinct covers an address depends on the address, so the justice court clerk is the one to ask. See the Washington County page.
Eviction Notices in Brenham: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Brenham landlord who needs possession must first give the tenant a written notice to vacate. At least three days is required, unless the lease or agreement sets a different period. The notice may go by mail, by placement inside the premises in a conspicuous spot, by hand to a tenant 16 or older, or electronically if the parties agreed in writing. Each calendar day counts, but a last day that falls on a weekend or holiday moves to the next business day. Following the notice, the landlord files a sworn petition in justice court. The notice itself can be hand-delivered by a private process server. A sheriff or constable must serve the eviction citation, and an alias citation is possible after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Brenham Defendants
A divorce citation travels with a copy of the petition and reaches the spouse in person or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. For a spouse who cannot be found, the plaintiff may bring a Rule 106(b) motion with a sworn statement naming likely locations and describing earlier attempts, and the judge may approve leaving papers with someone over 16 or email and social media. Business defendants have registered agents, and a corporation's president or vice president counts as well, with the Secretary of State as the fallback. Washington County's clerk must hold proof of service for ten days before a default can be entered. The Rule 106(b) guide explains more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Brenham
Brenham has its own police department for local reports. For medical records, the hospitals in range are Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham, 700 Medical Parkway, Brenham, TX 77833 (about 0.9 miles), Bellville Medical Center, 44 N Cummings St, Bellville, TX 77418 (about 16.4 miles), and Grimes St Joseph Health Center, 210 Judson St, Navasota, TX 77868 (about 25.0 miles). A subpoena is served by handing the witness a copy and tendering whatever fee the law requires. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance by the summoning party, and a records custodian $1. For documents from a nonparty, all parties get 10 days' notice before service. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Brenham
All of Brenham falls under ZIP code 77833, and Somerville, Bellville and Hempstead lie around it.
Brenham Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Parties may not serve their own case under Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent, a corporate president or vice president, or the Secretary of State as a fallback. See services and the FAQ.