This page is for anyone who needs a process server in China, Texas, a Jefferson County city of about 1,289 residents, to deliver a citation, petition, subpoena or notice to vacate. Standard Service makes an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service within 48 hours and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. A signed Return of Service under Rule 107 is emailed once the papers are delivered, giving you proof to file. The city's filings travel to Beaumont, the county seat.
What a Process Server Costs in China: Three Flat Tiers
Choose Standard Service for $69 when an attempt within 5 business days will do. Rush Service, at $119 shortens the wait to an attempt within 48 hours. For $169 the 24-Hour Service starts within 24 hours. Compare them on the pricing page or go to the order form. Jefferson County constables and the sheriff serve for fees the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131, so private service is just one more path.
Who May Serve Papers in China: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 permits service by a sheriff or constable, by someone 18 or older whom a written court order authorizes, or by a certified process server holding Judicial Branch Certification Commission credentials. People with a personal stake in the case cannot serve it, so a China resident suing a neighbor must find a different hand to deliver the papers.
Where China Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
From China, the filing office for Jefferson County sits about 14.8 miles off, at 1085 Pearl Street in Beaumont, TX 77701. Justice court covers civil claims up to $20,000 and evictions but not divorce. County court also reaches claims over $200 up to $20,000. Which precinct handles a case is tied to the address in dispute rather than the city name, and the justice court clerk can confirm it.
Eviction Notices in China: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord in China starts with a written notice to vacate, giving at least three days unless the lease provides otherwise. Mailing it, leaving it inside the home where it is conspicuous, or handing it to any tenant 16 or older meets the requirement, and a private server can do the handing. If the case proceeds on a sworn petition, a sheriff or constable alone serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for China Defendants
Divorce is a district court matter, and its citation is normally delivered in person or by registered or certified mail with a return receipt. A spouse who cannot be found may be served another way if the court allows it under Rule 106(b) after a sworn motion. Corporate defendants answer through a registered agent. No default judgment may be entered while the return has been on file fewer than ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near China
The requesting party pays a subpoenaed witness $10 per day at service, and a custodian producing records receives $1. In range are CHRISTUS Southeast Texas- St Elizabeth, 2830 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, about 12.7 miles away; Baptist Beaumont Hospital, 3080 College Street, about 13.1 miles; and Riceland Medical Center, 538 Broadway, Winnie, about 15.4 miles.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around China
Mail for China goes under ZIP codes 77613 and 77713, and the closest towns are Sour Lake, Bevil Oaks and Beaumont.
China Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No, a party to the lawsuit may not serve its own papers.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Not before the proof of service has been on file for ten days.
Can papers be taped to a door?
Not unless a court order under Rule 106(b) permits it.