In Henderson, the Rusk County courthouse and the hospital are both about 0.3 miles from the city's center, which makes life simple for a process server in Henderson, Texas. On Standard Service the attempt comes within 5 business days. On Rush Service it comes within 48 hours, and on 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. The paper can be a citation, petition, subpoena or notice to vacate. When the handoff is done, the signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you. About 13,270 people live in Henderson's 12.0 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in Henderson: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service is $69 the slowest of the group. Rush Service is $119 and 24-Hour Service is $169 the fastest. These are the figures on the pricing page, and the order form is where you commit to one. Rusk County's constables and sheriff offer service too, though their fees come out of a schedule the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131. Private service is an option beside them.
Who May Serve Papers in Henderson: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Henderson plaintiffs sometimes plan to have a cousin deliver the papers. Rule 103 asks two questions of the cousin. Does the cousin have any stake in the case? If so, no. Is the cousin an adult named in a written court order, or a sheriff or constable, or a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission? Only then may the cousin serve. The certification guide explains the third category.
Where Henderson Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Henderson is the Rusk County seat, so the Rusk County Courthouse, 115 North Main Street, Henderson, TX 75652, is only about 0.3 miles from town's center. Money disputes up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and eviction suits go to justice court; divorce goes elsewhere. A county court will hear amounts from over $200 up to $20,000. A civil case over $500 and up to $325,000 may be heard by a statutory county court or a district court. A call to the justice court clerk will settle which precinct covers an address. The Rusk County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Henderson: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Henderson landlord facing a tenant who will not leave has a fixed path. First, a written notice to vacate: at least three days, unless the lease or agreement sets another period. Second, delivery by mail, a conspicuous placement inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication agreed in writing. Third, counting days on the calendar, weekends and holidays included, with a deadline on one moving to the next business day. Fourth, a sworn petition in justice court. A private process server can take care of the second step. The eviction citation in the fourth step is reserved for a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation is possible after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Henderson Defendants
Divorce papers for a Rusk County defendant should be handed over in person or sent by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. A spouse who cannot be reached can be served in another way, but only if the court agrees under Rule 106(b) after seeing a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts. Examples include leaving papers with a person over 16 and using email or social media. Business defendants are served at the registered agent, at a corporation's president or vice president, or through the Secretary of State. Ten days of proof of service on file must pass before any default. See the Rule 106(b) guide.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Henderson
Henderson Police Department covers the city. UT Health East Texas Henderson Hospital, 300 Wilson Street, Henderson, TX 75652, is about 0.3 miles away. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center, 700 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX 75601, is about 24.1 miles away. A witness must be paid $10 for each day of attendance by the party who summons, and the fee is tendered when the subpoena is delivered; a records custodian is owed $1. Records from a nonparty require 10 days' notice to every party before service. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Henderson
Henderson has ZIP codes 75652 and 75654. Overton, Kilgore and Troup are the neighboring places listed.
Henderson Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party to the lawsuit is excluded by Rule 103.
What if the person avoids service?
Keep a record of each visit, then ask for a Rule 106(b) order. The services page and the FAQ answer related questions.