Claude, Texas, is the Armstrong County seat, a city of about 1,186 residents, and a process server in Claude can take citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate on any of three schedules. Standard Service lists an attempt within 5 business days, and Rush Service lists one within 48 hours, with 24-Hour Service listing one within 24 hours. After delivery you get a signed Rule 107 Return of Service by email. Everything for the county is already in town.
What a Process Server Costs in Claude
Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. The pricing page shows the same three figures, and the order form is where requests start. The Armstrong County constable and sheriff serve too, at the fees the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Claude: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 says a sheriff or constable may serve, as may an adult at least 18 years old named in a written court order, as may a certified process server. It says a party may not, nor may anyone interested in the outcome of the Claude suit.
Where Claude Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Armstrong County Courthouse is at 100 Trice Street, Claude, TX 79019, about 0.3 miles from the middle of the city. A justice court sitting for Armstrong County hears civil claims up to $20,000 and eviction cases. County court overlaps from $200 up to $20,000 and divorce is a district court matter. The justice court clerk can tell you which precinct applies, since it follows the address in dispute.
Eviction Notices in Claude: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Claude landlord first sends written notice to vacate, giving at least three days unless the lease says differently. The notice may go by mail, inside the home in a conspicuous place, or by hand to a tenant 16 or older, which a private server can do. Once a sworn petition is filed, a sheriff or constable serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Claude Defendants
Armstrong County defendants normally receive the citation from a person delivering it, or by registered or certified mail where the return receipt comes back signed. If a defendant cannot be reached that way, Rule 106(b) allows the court to approve another method after a sworn motion. Businesses answer through registered agents. A default judgment is out of reach until ten days after the return has gone on file.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Claude
A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the summoning party at service, and a records custodian is owed $1. No hospital is listed within range of Claude, so a records subpoena usually goes to the nearest hospital system.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Claude
Claude is ZIP 79019, and Panhandle is its neighbor.
Claude Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No, the person who filed the case may not serve it.
How is a company served?
The agent the company registered is who receives it, at the registered office.
What if the person avoids service?
Ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order after swearing to the failed attempts.