Dayton, Texas covers 30.7 square miles of Liberty County and has 8,773 people, so a process server there may be asked to reach properties well beyond the town center. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be served, with attempts within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours by tier, and a signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed back to you. The county courthouse in Liberty is about 8.9 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Dayton: Three Flat Tiers
Prices are fixed. See the pricing page or start with the order form.
- Standard: $69 and a target of an attempt inside 5 business days.
- Rush: $119 with the target cut to 48 hours.
- 24-Hour: $169 for a Dayton attempt targeted within 24 hours.
County constables and the sheriff are available too; their fees follow the commissioners court schedule in Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is simply another choice.
Who May Serve Papers in Dayton: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 says who may serve in Dayton as anywhere in Texas: sheriffs and constables, a person 18 or older with a written court order, or a server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Plaintiffs and others with a stake in the suit are excluded. The clerk may also send by registered or certified mail on request. See the Rule 103 guide.
Where Dayton Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Liberty is the county seat; the Liberty County Courthouse, 1923 Sam Houston Street, Liberty, TX 77575, is about 8.9 miles from Dayton. Civil claims up to $20,000 and evictions belong in justice court. County court shares claims over $200 up to $20,000 while statutory county courts take civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice court precinct is set by the disputed address; the county's justice court clerk can confirm. Read the Liberty County hub.
Eviction Notices in Dayton: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
At least three days of written notice to vacate is the default unless a lease says otherwise. It can be mailed, handed to a tenant 16 or older, left inside the premises, or emailed if the parties agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count, and a last day on one moves forward. Next comes a sworn petition in justice court, where a sheriff or constable serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Dayton Defendants
Divorce suits go to district court. A citation and petition are delivered in person or by certified mail with return receipt requested. If neither works, Rule 106(b) permits a judge to authorize alternatives after a sworn motion giving possible locations and the efforts made, such as email, social media or leaving papers with someone over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide covers the motion. Default waits ten days after the return is filed.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Dayton
Dayton Police Department covers the city. Hospitals in the data: Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center (1353 N Travis St, Liberty, TX 77575, about 9.1 miles), Baytown Medical Center LP (1626 W Baker Road, Baytown, TX 77521, about 17.0 miles) and Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital (4401 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521, about 17.1 miles). Witnesses receive $10 per day and records custodians $1. The subpoena guide has details.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Dayton
ZIP 77535 serves Dayton. Neighbors: Liberty, Old River-Winfree and Mont Belvieu.
Dayton Process Server FAQ
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent at its registered office, with the Secretary of State as the fallback.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Ten days after proof of service is filed, leaving out the filing and judgment days.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No, because parties cannot serve.