Fresno, Texas is a Fort Bend County community where a process server can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate. The tiers set the pace of the attempt (within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours), and a signed Return of Service is emailed after the papers change hands. With 24,486 residents counted in 2020, Fresno is an unincorporated community, a Census-designated place with no city government, so its lawsuits go to the Fort Bend County courts in Richmond, about 17.3 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Fresno: Three Flat Tiers
The price tracks the deadline. Choose Standard Service at $69 when an attempt within 5 business days is enough. Rush Service at $119 fits a tighter calendar, with an attempt within 48 hours. Choose 24-Hour Service at $169 when the attempt must come within 24 hours.
Texas state-court citations and summonses cost $100 more than the tier, because Rule 103 restricts their service to a sheriff, constable or certified process server. Read the pricing page and place the order on the order form.
Each year the Fort Bend County commissioners court sets the fees its sheriff and constables charge (Local Government Code 118.131). Hiring a private server is another lawful option.
Who May Serve Papers in Fresno: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement agency for Fresno. Its deputies and the Fort Bend County constables serve process as people authorized by law under Rule 103. That rule also lists adults 18 or older authorized by law or written court order, and people certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A person who is a party or has an interest in the outcome cannot serve.
Certified process servers are certified by the Commission under order of the Supreme Court (Government Code 156.001), and the certification expires on the last day of the month of the second anniversary unless renewed. Find more in the certification guide.
Where Fresno Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Richmond is the county seat. The Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469, houses the county's courts and sits about 17.3 miles from Fresno.
A Fort Bend County justice court decides civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, evictions and some lien cases. It cannot decide a divorce, defamation, slander, title to land or a suit to enforce a lien on land. The county court has concurrent jurisdiction from above $200 to $20,000. For civil cases between $500 and $325,000 excluding interest, damages, penalties, fees and costs, a statutory county court and the district court share jurisdiction.
The justice precinct is fixed by the address in dispute rather than the Census boundary, and the Fort Bend County justice court clerk can confirm it. The Fort Bend County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Fresno: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Eviction law for suits filed from January 1, 2026 requires a written notice to vacate before filing. Give at least three days unless the lease or a written agreement sets a shorter or longer time; for rent owed, a notice to pay rent or vacate works. The notice can be mailed, placed inside the premises in a conspicuous place, handed to any tenant 16 or older, or delivered electronically if the parties agreed in writing. Count weekends and holidays, and move a last day that falls on one to the next business day.
A private server can hand-deliver the notice. Only the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office or a constable may serve the eviction citation once the sworn petition is filed in justice court. If 5 business days pass without service, the landlord may request an alias citation for another qualified officer.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Fresno Defendants
Personal service of the citation and petition, or registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, comes first. If that is not possible, the court may grant a Rule 106(b) motion supported by a sworn or penalty-of-perjury statement naming the places the respondent can probably be found and the facts of each attempt there. The order can allow leaving the papers with anyone over 16 at the location, or service by email, social media or another method likely to give notice. A citation may not be left with a roommate or posted on a door without that order. See the Rule 106(b) guide.
In district court, the respondent's answer is due at 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after the 20th day following service. Companies are served through registered agents, corporations through their president or a vice president, and the Secretary of State steps in when the agent cannot be found. Ten days after the return is filed, excluding the filing and judgment days, a default judgment becomes possible.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Fresno
HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland, 11100 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, TX 77584, is about 7.1 miles from Fresno. Houston Methodist Sugarland Hospital, 16655 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479, and Sugar Land Surgical Hospital Llp, 16906 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479, are each about 10.3 miles away. Deputy reports and other law enforcement records for Fresno are subpoenaed from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.
A witness receives $10 for each day attending, paid by the summoning party at service, and a custodian who certifies records receives $1. A witness living within 150 miles of the county of suit may be subpoenaed. The witness fee guide has details.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Fresno
Fresno uses ZIP code 77545. Neighbors include Houston, Missouri City, Arcola and Pearland.
Fresno Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Texas does not let a party serve process in their own lawsuit.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
When the return has been on file ten days, not counting the filing day or judgment day.
What if the person avoids service?
Ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order once attempts are documented.