Emerald Bay, Texas is an unincorporated community in Smith County, and a process server can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate there under three tiers: Standard Service (attempt within 5 business days), Rush Service (within 48 hours) and 24-Hour Service (within 24 hours). You get the signed Return of Service by email once the Emerald Bay delivery is complete. The community is a Census-designated place of 1,146 people in 2020, about 15.4 miles from the courthouse in Tyler, and the Smith County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement.
What a Process Server Costs in Emerald Bay: Three Flat Tiers
Standard costs $69. Rush costs $119. 24-Hour costs $169. A Texas state-court citation or summons adds a $100 fee. See the pricing page and submit on the order form. Constables and the Smith County Sheriff's Office charge fees the commissioners court sets each year under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Emerald Bay: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 permits service by a sheriff, a constable, an adult authorized by law or written court order, or a server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC guide). Parties and interested persons are excluded.
Where Emerald Bay Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Smith County Courthouse is at 100 North Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75702-7298, in the county seat. Smith County justice court hears evictions and civil claims up to $20,000. The county court shares claims above $200 up to $20,000. Statutory county courts can hear civil cases over $500 up to $325,000. Divorce is a district court case. The address in dispute decides the precinct; ask the justice court clerk.
Eviction Notices in Emerald Bay: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A tenant must receive written notice to vacate at least three days ahead unless the lease sets a different period. Electronic delivery works when both sides agreed in writing; mail and hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older work too. After the sworn petition, only the Smith County Sheriff's Office or a constable may serve the eviction citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Emerald Bay Defendants
Personal delivery or certified mail comes first. If the spouse cannot be served, the court can authorize another method on a sworn Rule 106(b) motion. Corporations are served through their registered agent.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Emerald Bay
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, 1814 Roseland Boulevard, Tyler, TX 75701, is about 14.2 miles away; UT Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital, 1000 South Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701, about 15.0 miles; CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, 800 East Dawson, Tyler, TX 75701, about 15.1 miles. Witness fee: $10 per day, paid at service. Records custodian fee: $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay uses ZIP code 75757. Shadybrook, Bullard and Frankston are nearby; the Smith County hub has more.
Emerald Bay Process Server FAQ
What if the person avoids service?
Move for a Rule 106(b) order with a sworn account of the attempts.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Parties may not serve process.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Only after the return has sat with the Smith County clerk for ten days.