Hilltop Lakes, Texas, is about 18.4 miles from the Leon County courthouse annex in Centerville, and a process server can bring citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate to this community on three schedules. Hilltop Lakes orders on Standard Service get an attempt within 5 business days; Rush Service orders get one within 48 hours; 24-Hour Service orders, within 24 hours. A signed Return of Service is emailed when each delivery is complete. Hilltop Lakes is an unincorporated community and Census-designated place of 1,385 residents with no city government, so Leon County courts and the county sheriff serve it.
What a Process Server Costs in Hilltop Lakes: Three Flat Tiers
Hilltop Lakes prices come straight from the pricing page: Standard Service runs $69 and Rush Service $119; 24-Hour Service sits at $169. Texas state-court citations and summonses carry a further $100 fee. Use the order form to send papers. Leon County constables and the sheriff serve process as well, at fees set annually by the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131).
Who May Serve Papers in Hilltop Lakes: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas Rule 103 lets three groups serve: sheriffs and constables; adults 18 or older authorized by law or written court order; and process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A party to the suit, or anyone with an interest in its outcome, is excluded.
Where Hilltop Lakes Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Centerville is the county seat. The Leon County Courthouse Annex is at 139 East Main Street, Centerville, TX 75833. Leon County justice courts take evictions and civil claims up to $20,000; the county court shares claims above $200 up to that limit. Since the precinct is set by the address in dispute, ask the Leon County justice court clerk to confirm it.
Eviction Notices in Hilltop Lakes: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Hilltop Lakes landlord must give at least three days' written notice to vacate unless a written lease sets a different period. The law allows mail, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, a notice left in a conspicuous place inside the premises, or agreed electronic delivery. Only the Leon County Sheriff's Office or a constable may serve the citation in the justice court case.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Hilltop Lakes Defendants
A Leon County divorce respondent is first served in person or by certified mail. If those attempts fail, a sworn statement of the locations and what happened supports a Rule 106(b) order for another reasonably effective method, such as email. Hilltop Lakes papers for a corporation can go to its registered agent or to the president or any vice president. The return must be on file ten days before a default.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Hilltop Lakes
Madison St Joseph Health Center, 100 West Cross Street in Madisonville, is about 18.6 miles away and the only hospital in range. For law enforcement records involving Hilltop Lakes, the Leon County Sheriff's Office is the agency to subpoena. A summoned witness gets $10 per day of attendance, and a records custodian $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Hilltop Lakes
Hilltop Lakes uses ZIP 77871. Franklin and Madisonville are nearby; see the Leon County page.
Hilltop Lakes Process Server FAQ
What if the person avoids service?
Keep dated notes on each try, then move for substituted service under Rule 106(b).
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent; the Secretary of State takes over if no agent can be found at the registered office.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 keeps the people suing and being sued from serving the papers themselves.