Center is the Shelby County seat, a city of 5,218 whose courthouse is only 0.1 miles from the center, and a process server in Center, Texas can reach the clerk in a short walk. Pick the speed, then name the paper: a citation, a petition, a subpoena or a notice to vacate. Tiers start the attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours, and the customer gets an emailed, signed Rule 107 Return of Service. The town keeps a police department of its own, though the data shows no hospital in range.
Center Rates: Three Flat Tiers for a Process Server
The base tier, Standard Service, costs $69 and sends an attempt within 5 business days. The next tier, Rush Service, costs $119 and sends one within 48 hours. The top tier, 24-Hour Service, costs $169 and sends one within 24 hours. The pricing page carries the table, and the order form takes the order.
Shelby County's sheriff and constables serve papers on a fee schedule the commissioners court adopts under Local Government Code 118.131. Private service is another way.
Who May Serve Papers in Center: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 permits officers, adults 18 or older who hold a written court order, and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. It forbids plaintiffs, defendants and every other interested person. The Rule 103 guide has more.
Where Center Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Center is the county seat, so the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, TX 75935 is about 0.1 miles from the center. The justice court is the place for evictions and for civil claims of up to $20,000. County court overlaps from $200 to $20,000; and a statutory county court may hear civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice precinct follows the address in dispute, so the justice court clerk can confirm. See the Shelby County hub.
Eviction Notices in Center: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Anyone in Center who wants a tenant out must begin with a written notice to vacate giving three days or more, unless a lease sets another time. The notice can be mailed, handed to a tenant 16 or older, left inside the unit, or emailed under a written agreement. Count weekends and holidays like any other day. A due date that lands on one gets pushed back to a business day. The sworn petition then goes to justice court, with a sheriff or constable serving the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Center Defendants
Divorce is filed in district court. Deliver the citation and petition by hand or by certified mail with return receipt. If delivery fails, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion naming likely places and earlier tries may win approval for email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide explains. A business can be reached through its registered agent. Default is blocked until ten days after the return is filed.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Center
Center Police Department is the local agency. The data lists no hospital near Center. A records subpoena would normally be directed to whichever hospital system holds the chart. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance and a records custodian $1. The subpoena guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Center
Center is ZIP 75935. San Augustine is the listed neighbor.
Center Process Server FAQ
Is there an exception that lets a plaintiff deliver?
None in Rule 103. Plaintiffs are parties.
What if the defendant dodges?
A sworn motion under Rule 106(b) can ask the court to approve another method.
When does the default period begin?
When the signed return is filed with the clerk.