Fort Hancock, Texas lies about 29.8 miles from the Hudspeth County courthouse in Sierra Blanca, and a process server covering this community still delivers citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate on a fixed schedule. On Standard Service the attempt in Fort Hancock comes within 5 business days; Rush Service puts it within 48 hours and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. When the papers have been delivered, the signed Return of Service is sent to your email. Fort Hancock is an unincorporated Census-designated place, 1,052 people in 2020, with no city government; the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office is its law enforcement agency.
What a Process Server Costs in Fort Hancock: Three Flat Tiers
Distance from the county seat does not change the rate. Standard is a flat $69 and Rush is a flat $119 while 24-Hour is a flat $169 (see pricing). Hudspeth County citations and other Texas state-court summonses carry a $100 fee on top of the tier. Submit papers on the order form. The Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office and constables charge fees fixed by the commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Fort Hancock: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
A sheriff or constable may serve process, as may an adult authorized by law or written court order and anyone certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (Rule 103). People who are parties, or who stand to gain from the result, may not serve.
Where Fort Hancock Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
All Fort Hancock filings go to Sierra Blanca, the county seat, where the Hudspeth County Courthouse stands at 109 West Millican Street, Sierra Blanca, TX 79851. Its justice court hears evictions and claims up to $20,000; its county court shares claims over $200 up to that limit; its district court hears divorce. Ask the Hudspeth County justice court clerk which precinct covers the address in dispute.
Eviction Notices in Fort Hancock: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Before filing, a landlord must deliver at least three days' written notice to vacate unless a lease sets a different period. If the tenant actually receives it, the statute's list of delivery methods does not have to be followed exactly. Days count through weekends, with a weekend or holiday deadline moving to the next business day. The citation in a Fort Hancock eviction is served by the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office or a constable, and by no one else.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Fort Hancock Defendants
A Fort Hancock respondent is first served in person or by certified mail. Where that fails, a Rule 106(b) motion, sworn or made under penalty of perjury, can lead to an order for delivery to an adult at the home or by email (Rule 106(b) guide). Companies are served at their registered agent.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Fort Hancock
No hospital is listed within 25 miles of Fort Hancock, so a medical records subpoena usually goes to the nearest hospital system. The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, tendered at service, and a records custodian is owed $1. Law enforcement records come from the Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Fort Hancock
Fort Hancock uses ZIP code 79839. Tornillo is the listed neighbor; the Hudspeth County hub has more.
Fort Hancock Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party is not permitted to serve under Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent, its president or a vice president.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Once the return has been on file in Sierra Blanca ten days.