Bridgeport is a Wise County city of 5,923 people, and the county seat of Decatur is about 10.9 miles away, which means a process server in Bridgeport, Texas typically prepares papers for a courthouse in a neighboring town. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be served here, with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours, and a signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you afterward. Bridgeport keeps its own police department, and Runaway Bay, Decatur and Alvord are the nearby places listed for it.
Bridgeport Pricing: Flat Tiers for a Process Server
Standard Service is the base tier at $69 per job and begins within 5 business days. Rush Service is the middle tier at $119 per job and begins within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service is the top tier at $169 per job and begins within 24 hours. The pricing page carries the same figures and the order form is where a job begins.
Wise County's sheriff and constables serve papers under fees adopted by the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131). Private service is a separate option, not a ranking.
Who May Serve Papers in Bridgeport: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 puts three kinds of people on the approved list: officers, adults of 18 or older named in a written court order, and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. It leaves parties and all other interested people off. The Rule 103 guide has the full explanation.
Where Bridgeport Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Decatur is the county seat and home of the Wise County Courthouse at 101 North Trinity Street, Decatur, TX 76234, about 10.9 miles from Bridgeport. In Wise County, the justice court is where civil claims up to $20,000 and eviction cases are heard. County court may also take claims between $200 and $20,000; and a statutory county court may take civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice precinct follows the address in dispute, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Wise County hub.
Eviction Notices in Bridgeport: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Bridgeport landlord cannot go straight to court. The landlord must first give a written notice to vacate of at least three days, unless the lease sets another time, using mail, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, placement inside the premises, or email under a written agreement. After the notice runs out, the landlord files a sworn petition in justice court and the citation is served by a sheriff or constable. The notice period runs straight through weekends and holidays, though a final day that lands on one slides to the next business day.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Bridgeport Defendants
Divorce is a district court matter. Serve the citation and petition on the spouse by hand, or by certified mail with a return receipt. When that does not work, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion naming likely places and prior tries may persuade a judge to allow email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide describes the filing. If the defendant is a company, its registered agent at the registered office can accept the papers on its behalf. Default must wait until ten days after the return is on file.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Bridgeport
Bridgeport Police Department is the local agency. The one hospital in range is Faith Community Hospital (215 Chisholm Trail, Jacksboro, TX 76458), about 24.0 miles away, so records subpoenas often go further afield. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance and a records custodian $1. The subpoena guide explains.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Bridgeport
Bridgeport is ZIP 76426, with Runaway Bay, Decatur and Alvord listed as neighbors.
Bridgeport Process Server FAQ
Is a plaintiff ever allowed to serve?
Not under Rule 103. Plaintiffs are parties and parties are excluded.
Where does a business receive papers?
At its registered office, through its registered agent.
How soon can the court enter default?
When ten days have passed since the proof of service was filed.