Dumas is the Moore County seat, with a courthouse about 0.5 miles from the city's center and a hospital only 0.4 miles away, so a process server in Dumas, TX spends little time in transit. The city covers 5.5 square miles and holds 14,500 people. Whether the paper is a citation, a petition, a subpoena or a notice, three speeds are offered: Standard Service for an attempt inside 5 business days, Rush Service inside 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service inside 24 hours. A signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you.
What a Process Server Costs in Dumas: Three Flat Tiers
- Standard Service is $69 and trades speed for price.
- Rush Service is $119.
- 24-Hour Service is $169 and is the quickest.
You will see the same list on the pricing page and the order form. Moore County's constables and sheriff can serve too, and the commissioners court sets their fees under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is a separate choice.
Who May Serve Papers in Dumas: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 comes down to a matter of independence. The person who serves must be independent of the lawsuit, which excludes the parties and anyone else with a stake. Beyond independence, the person must be a sheriff, constable or other person authorized by law, or an adult 18 or older named in a written court order, or a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide has more.
Where Dumas Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Dumas is the county seat, and the Moore County Courthouse is at 715 South Dumas Avenue, Dumas, TX 79029, about 0.5 miles from the city's center. A civil claim up to $20,000 (excluding interest) or an eviction goes to justice court. A divorce does not. County courts accept amounts over $200 up to $20,000. For civil cases over $500 up to $325,000 a statutory county court and a district court overlap. To learn which justice court precinct covers an address, ask the court's clerk. See the Moore County page.
Eviction Notices in Dumas: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Dumas landlord who wants possession must first issue a written notice to vacate. The tenant must get at least three days, unless the lease or agreement says otherwise. The notice can be mailed, left in a conspicuous place inside the premises, handed to a tenant 16 or older, or sent electronically if both sides agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays are counted, though a final day on one extends to the next business day. After that period, the sworn petition goes to justice court. Hand delivery of the notice may be done by a private process server. The eviction citation must be served by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation may be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Dumas Defendants
A divorce citation in Moore County goes to the spouse in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If that fails, Rule 106(b) lets a judge approve another method after the plaintiff files a motion with a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts. The method might be papers left with someone over 16, or email or social media. A company is served at its registered agent, at a president or vice president if it is a corporation, or through the Secretary of State. No default judgment may be entered until ten days after proof of service is on file. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Dumas
Dumas Police Department takes local reports. Memorial Hospital, 224 E Second Street, Dumas, TX 79029, is about 0.4 miles away and is the only hospital in range. A subpoena reaches the witness as a copy, together with any fee the law requires. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance, from the summoning party, and a records custodian is owed $1. Before a nonparty's documents are subpoenaed, all parties must have 10 days' notice. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Dumas
Dumas has ZIP code 79029, and Cactus and Sunray are the neighboring places.
Dumas Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Parties may not serve under Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent or an officer, or through the Secretary of State if no one else can be found. See the services page and the FAQ.