In Cleburne, the Johnson County seat, a process server in Cleburne, Texas works a short distance from the Guinn Justice Center, where many local cases begin. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices can be served: Standard Service starts with an attempt inside 5 business days, Rush Service inside 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service inside 24 hours. The signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed once the papers are delivered. Cleburne has 31,285 residents and covers 33.2 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in Cleburne: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service costs $69. Rush Service costs $119. 24-Hour Service costs $169. Timing for each tier is the attempt window given earlier. See pricing or order at the order form. Johnson County's constables and sheriff may serve as well, and what they charge is decided by the commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131. Private service is merely one more path.
Who May Serve Papers in Cleburne: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
The cast of people who may serve a Texas citation is short. There are officers, meaning sheriffs, constables and others authorized by law. There are adults 18 and older who hold a written court order. And there are process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A cast member can never be a party or someone who stands to gain from the case. The certification guide tells more.
Where Cleburne Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Guinn Justice Center is at 204 South Buffalo Avenue, Cleburne, TX 76033, about 1.5 miles from Cleburne's center, and Cleburne is the county seat. Justice courts handle civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, and they cannot decide divorces. A county court overlaps for amounts above $200 up to $20,000; statutory county courts and district courts overlap for civil cases over $500 up to $325,000. Precinct depends on the address in dispute, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Johnson County page.
Eviction Notices in Cleburne: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Cleburne landlord must give written notice to vacate before filing. Three days is the floor, at least, unless the lease or agreement sets another period. Methods allowed: mail, a conspicuous place inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays are included, moving a last-day deadline to the next business day. After this, a sworn petition is filed in justice court. A private server may deliver the notice. A sheriff or constable alone may serve the eviction citation, and an alias citation is available after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Cleburne Defendants
Divorce defendants are served in person or by return-receipt registered or certified mail. If that cannot be done, Rule 106(b) opens another door: a motion with a sworn statement of likely locations and what was tried. The court might allow papers to be left with a person over 16 or sent by email or social media. Businesses go through a registered agent, a corporation's president or vice president, or the Secretary of State. No default judgment is available until proof of service has sat on file for ten days. The 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Cleburne
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne, 201 Walls Drive, Cleburne, TX 76031, is about 2.2 miles away. Baylor Scott and White Emergency Hospital, 12500 South Freeway Suite 100, Burleson, TX 76028, is about 16.2 miles, and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest F, 6100 Harris Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76132, about 21.1 miles. Cleburne Police Department is the city agency. A subpoena is served by delivering a copy to the witness and tendering any required fee: $10 per day of attendance from the summoning party, and $1 for a records custodian. A nonparty records subpoena requires 10 days' notice to all parties before service. See the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Cleburne
Cleburne is served by ZIP codes 76031 and 76033. Close by are Joshua, Keene and Rio Vista.
Cleburne Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
You cannot. Rule 103 excludes parties and interested persons.
Can papers be taped to a door?
Only if a judge approves it by order under Rule 106(b). See services and the FAQ.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Ten days after proof of service is on file, excluding filing day and judgment day.