Giddings is where Lee County keeps its courthouse, 0.6 miles from the center of a city of 4,982, so a process server in Giddings, Texas can reach the clerk's counter quickly. Serving a citation, petition, subpoena or notice to vacate starts as early as the tier allows: within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours. When delivery is done, a signed Rule 107 Return of Service comes by email.
Giddings Costs: What a Process Server Charges
The least expensive choice is Standard Service at $69. Its attempt falls within 5 business days. The middle choice is Rush Service at $119; with an attempt within 48 hours. The most urgent choice is 24-Hour Service at $169; with an attempt within 24 hours. The pricing page shows all three, and the order form takes the booking.
Lee County's sheriff and constables bill their own fees, which the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Giddings: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
The Texas rule is Rule 103, and it is restrictive. Officers may serve. So may an adult of 18 or more who holds a written order from the court, and so may a server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A plaintiff cannot serve, nor can a defendant, nor can any other person with a stake.
Where Giddings Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
As the county seat, Giddings houses the Lee County Courthouse at 151 East Hempstead Street, Giddings, TX 78942, about 0.6 miles from the center. Small civil claims up to $20,000 and evictions go to the justice court. A county court shares claims from $200 to $20,000; and a statutory county court, if one exists, reaches $500 to $325,000. The address in dispute fixes the precinct, and the justice court clerk can name it. See the Lee County hub.
Eviction Notices in Giddings: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Before suing to evict, a Giddings landlord prepares a written notice to vacate giving three days or more, unless the lease supplies a different period. The notice can be mailed, handed to a tenant who is 16 or older, placed inside the unit, or emailed when the tenant has agreed in writing. The count includes weekends and holidays, with a final day on one pushed to the next business day. Then a sworn petition goes to the justice court, and a sheriff or constable serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Giddings Defendants
A divorce begins in district court and requires service of the citation and petition on the other spouse. Direct delivery or certified mail with a return receipt are the ordinary methods. When they fail, the filer can swear to likely places and the tries so far in a Rule 106(b) motion, and a judge may allow email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. A company answers through its registered agent. Default must wait until the return has been filed ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Giddings
Giddings has its own police department. The one hospital in range is Ascension Seton Smithville (1201 Hill Rd, Smithville, TX 78957), about 17.5 miles away. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance and a records custodian $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Giddings
Giddings has ZIP 78942, and the neighbors listed are Lexington, Smithville and La Grange.
Giddings Process Server FAQ
Could I just mail the papers to the defendant myself?
No. A party cannot serve, and only the clerk can mail a citation, by registered or certified mail on request.
What do I do when the defendant dodges?
Seek a Rule 106(b) order with sworn details.
How soon may I ask for a default?
Not until ten days after the proof of service is filed.