Buffalo, Texas has its own police department and about 1,770 residents, but cases from this Leon County city are filed in Centerville, 14.8 miles away, and that is where a process server in Buffalo, TX usually has to match paperwork to people. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be taken out on an attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours, with a signed Return of Service emailed once the papers are delivered.
What a Process Server Costs in Buffalo: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service at $69 gets an attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service, which costs $119 gets one within 48 hours. At the top, 24-Hour Service costs $169 and gets one within 24 hours. Read pricing first, and use the order form to book. If a constable or sheriff suits you better, Leon County's commissioners court sets what they charge under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Buffalo: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Sheriffs and constables serve process by default. Beyond them, Rule 103 admits only adults a judge has named in writing and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, and it turns away any party or anyone else with an interest in the case.
Where Buffalo Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Leon County Courthouse Annex, 139 East Main Street in Centerville, is about 14.8 miles from Buffalo in a straight line. A justice court takes civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, together with evictions. A county court overlaps with it for claims from $200 to $20,000. For civil cases above $500 and up to $325,000 a statutory county court is the option. Ask the justice court clerk which precinct goes with a Buffalo address. The Leon County hub has more.
Eviction Notices in Buffalo: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For a landlord, the first formal step is a written notice to vacate that runs at least three days unless the lease says another number. A mailed copy, a copy left prominently inside the unit, or a copy handed to any tenant 16 or older will do, and a private server can make that hand delivery. Once the suit is filed, only a sheriff or constable can serve its citation, and a landlord may request an alias if 5 business days pass.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Buffalo Defendants
Texas wants a citation delivered to the defendant in person or sent by registered or certified mail with a return receipt. A defendant who is avoiding both can sometimes be reached another way, but only after a judge grants a sworn Rule 106(b) motion. Registered agents accept papers for businesses. No default judgment can be entered until ten days after proof of service has been filed.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Buffalo
Buffalo has a police department, and Freestone Medical Center, 125 Newman St in Fairfield, is about 19.4 miles away. Whoever calls a witness pays $10 for each day of attendance, and a records custodian is owed $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Buffalo
Buffalo uses ZIP code 75831, and Teague and Fairfield are the neighboring cities.
Buffalo Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No, because the person who files or defends a case is excluded from serving.
How is a company served?
The papers go to the registered agent.
Can papers be taped to a door?
A citation can only be posted that way under a Rule 106(b) order.