Garfield, Texas, lies in Travis County about 12.0 miles from the county courthouse, and a process server can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate anywhere in its roughly 12 square miles. Standard Service puts an attempt within 5 business days; Rush Service puts it within 48 hours; 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. Every finished job comes with a signed Return of Service by email. Garfield is a Census-designated place of 1,825 people on about 12.0 square miles, an unincorporated community with no city government, so Travis County courts and the county sheriff serve it.
What a Process Server Costs in Garfield: Three Flat Tiers
Three tiers, three prices. Standard Service costs $69. Rush Service costs $119. 24-Hour Service costs $169. The pricing page has the fine print, and the order form is where you start. Texas state-court citations and summonses carry an additional $100 fee. Travis County constables and the sheriff also serve process at fees the commissioners court adopts each year (Local Government Code 118.131), and a private server is one more option.
Who May Serve Papers in Garfield: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
A sheriff or constable may serve. So may an adult 18 or older authorized by law or written court order, or a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Those three groups come from Rule 103, which also keeps parties and anyone interested in the result from serving.
Where Garfield Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Travis County hears Garfield's cases in Austin, the county seat. The Travis County Courthouse at 1000 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78701 is about 12.0 miles away. Justice courts take civil claims up to $20,000 and evictions; the county court overlaps for claims over $200. The precinct depends on the address in dispute, and the Travis County justice court clerk can confirm which.
Eviction Notices in Garfield: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Before any eviction suit, the tenant is owed at least three days' written notice to vacate unless the lease sets another period. The notice may be mailed, handed to a tenant 16 or older, left inside the premises in a conspicuous spot, or sent electronically under a written agreement. Once filed, the eviction citation may be served only by the Travis County Sheriff's Office or a constable.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Garfield Defendants
With so much ground and so few homes, a respondent can be hard to catch, so Rule 106(b) matters. After personal delivery or certified mail fails, a sworn statement of the locations tried and what happened lets the court order another method, such as email or leaving papers with an adult over 16. A business defendant is served through its registered agent. No default judgment is possible until the return has been with the clerk for ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Garfield
Austin's hospitals are the nearest. Dell Children's Medical Center, 4900 Mueller Blvd, is about 11.0 miles away, and Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas, 601 E 15th Street, is about 11.5 miles. The Travis County Sheriff's Office holds law enforcement records for Garfield. A witness receives $10 per day of attendance at service, and a records custodian $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Garfield
Garfield uses ZIP 78617. Austin, Hornsby Bend and Wyldwood are nearby; the Travis County page has more.
Garfield Process Server FAQ
Can papers be taped to a door?
No, not a citation, unless a judge orders door posting under Rule 106(b).
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Ten days after proof of service is filed, excluding the filing day and the judgment day.
What if the person avoids service?
Document the tries and ask for substituted service.