A process server in Highlands, Texas handles Harris County citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate, with the attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours by tier, and emails you a signed Return of Service after delivery. Highlands is an unincorporated community, listed by the Census as a Census-designated place with 8,612 residents, and it has no city government. Its cases travel about 18.3 miles to the Harris County courts in Houston.
What a Process Server Costs in Highlands: Three Flat Tiers
Highlands pricing is flat by tier: Standard Service costs $69 (attempt within 5 business days), Rush Service $119 (within 48 hours) and 24-Hour Service $169 (within 24 hours). A Texas state-court citation or summons adds $100 because Rule 103 restricts its service to a sheriff, constable or certified process server. A Highlands job is compared on the pricing page and booked on the order form.
Harris County constable and sheriff fees are whatever the commissioners court adopts each year (Local Government Code 118.131). A private server is one more lawful route.
Who May Serve Papers in Highlands: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
The Harris County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for Highlands, and its deputies and the Harris County constables can serve process. Rule 103 adds adults 18 or older authorized by law or written court order and anyone certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (certification guide). A party to the suit, or anyone with an interest in it, may not serve.
Where Highlands Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Harris County Civil Courthouse sits at 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002, in Houston, the county seat. For Highlands, a Harris County justice court takes evictions and civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, but not divorce, slander, defamation, land title or a suit to enforce a land lien. Above $200 and up to $20,000 the county court also has jurisdiction. Statutory county courts share civil cases between $500 and $325,000 with district courts, excluding interest, damages, penalties, fees and costs.
Precinct is set by where the address in dispute lies, and the Harris County justice court clerk can confirm it; see the Harris County hub.
Eviction Notices in Highlands: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord filing on or after January 1, 2026 must first give at least three days' written notice to vacate unless a written lease or agreement sets another period, using a notice to pay rent or vacate when rent is unpaid. Acceptable methods: mail, conspicuous placement inside the premises, hand delivery to any tenant 16 or older, or electronic delivery the parties agreed to in writing. The count includes weekends and holidays, but a last day on one moves to the next business day.
The notice may be hand-delivered by a private server. The justice court citation that follows may be served only by the Harris County Sheriff's Office or a constable, with an alias citation available after 5 business days without service.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Highlands Defendants
Rule 106(a) calls for in-person delivery of the citation and petition, or registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. After failed tries, the court may grant a Rule 106(b) motion supported by a sworn or penalty-of-perjury statement of the respondent's probable location and the attempts made, allowing service on anyone over 16 there, or by email or social media (Rule 106(b) guide). Leaving papers with a relative or on a door is not allowed without that order.
Corporations are served on their registered agent, president or a vice president. A default judgment must wait until the return has been on file ten days, excluding filing and judgment days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Highlands
Baytown Medical Center LP, 1626 W Baker Road, Baytown, TX 77521, is about 5.5 miles away. Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, 4401 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521, is about 5.7 miles, and Altus Houston Hospital, LP, 6011 W Sam Houston Pkwy South, Houston, TX 77072, about 6.4 miles. Law enforcement records for Highlands sit with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
A witness receives $10 for each day of attendance at service of the subpoena, and a records custodian $1 (witness fee guide).
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Highlands
Highlands is ZIP code 77562. Neighbors are Channelview, Baytown and Barrett.
Highlands Process Server FAQ
Can papers be taped to a door?
Not as a first step; a Rule 106(b) order must authorize it after ordinary service fails.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Ten days after the return is filed, excluding filing day and judgment day.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party is not permitted to serve the case.