Gun Barrel City is a Henderson County city of 6,186, and Athens, the county seat, is 18.3 miles away, so a process server in Gun Barrel City, Texas typically handles papers for a courthouse well outside town. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate are served, with an attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours depending on tier, and a signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed afterward. The city has its own police department.
Gun Barrel City Cost Sheet: Three Flat Process Server Tiers
- If you can wait, $69 buys Standard Service with an attempt inside 5 business days.
- If you cannot, $119 buys Rush Service with an attempt inside 48 hours.
- If you absolutely cannot, $169 buys 24-Hour Service with an attempt inside 24 hours.
Figures come from the pricing page, and the order form is where you begin. Henderson County's constables and sheriff serve papers under fees set by the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131). A private server is one more way.
Who May Serve Papers in Gun Barrel City: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 draws the eligibility line for Texas service. An officer such as a deputy or constable is eligible. An adult of 18 or more is eligible when a court order says so in writing. A server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission is eligible. Plaintiffs, defendants and others with a personal interest are not. See the certification guide.
Where Gun Barrel City Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Athens is the county seat. The Henderson County Courthouse is at 100 East Tyler Street, Athens, TX 75751, about 18.3 miles from Gun Barrel City. Justice court covers civil claims up to $20,000 and evictions, county court overlaps from $200 to $20,000; and a statutory county court may hear civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice precinct follows the address in dispute, so the justice court clerk can say which one. The Henderson County hub has more.
Eviction Notices in Gun Barrel City: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
The landlord's first filing is not a filing at all but a written notice to vacate. It gives three days or more unless a lease changes the number. Ways to deliver it include mail, hand delivery to a tenant who is at least 16, leaving it inside the unit, and email under a written agreement. Weekends and holidays are counted; a last day on one moves to the next business day. After that the landlord can file a sworn petition in justice court, where a sheriff or constable serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Gun Barrel City Defendants
Divorce is a district court matter. The citation and petition are delivered to the defendant directly, or by certified mail with a return receipt. If that route is blocked, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion naming likely places and earlier tries can lead a judge to approve email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide walks through it. A company is served through its registered agent. Ten days must pass after the return is filed before a default is possible.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman (850 Ed Hall, Kaufman, TX 75142, about 18.0 miles) and UT Health East Texas Athens Hospital (2000 South Palestine St, Athens, TX 75751, about 20.0 miles). A witness is paid $10 for each day of attendance and a records custodian $1; the subpoena guide has details.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Gun Barrel City
Gun Barrel City is ZIP 75156. Neighbors listed: Mabank, Eustace and Seven Points.
Gun Barrel City Process Server FAQ
Does Texas allow the plaintiff to serve a spouse in a divorce?
No. The plaintiff is a party, and Rule 103 excludes parties.
What do I need for a door posting?
A Rule 106(b) order, since a citation cannot be left on a door otherwise.
Which days are skipped when counting the default wait?
Only the day the proof is filed and the day the judgment is signed.