Hitchcock is huge by area, 60.4 square miles in Galveston County, yet home to only 7,308 people, which means a process server in Hitchcock, Texas may cover long stretches of open ground to reach a single address. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate can be served, with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours depending on tier. After delivery you receive the signed Rule 107 Return of Service by email, which is your proof. Hitchcock keeps its own police department, and the Galveston County Justice Center is about 10.5 miles away.
Hitchcock Pricing: Three Flat Tiers and What Each Process Server Job Costs
Choose by urgency. Standard Service, $69; makes its attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service, $119; makes it within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service, $169; makes it within 24 hours. The pricing page carries the same figures and the order form opens a job.
If you prefer officers, Galveston County's constables and sheriff serve civil papers and bill according to a schedule the commissioners court sets (Local Government Code 118.131). Private service is simply another option.
Who May Serve Papers in Hitchcock: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas restricts service through Rule 103. Allowed are sheriffs, constables and others authorized by law, adults aged 18 or more under a written court order, and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Not allowed are the parties and anybody with a personal interest. The certification guide has the details.
Where Hitchcock Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Galveston is the county seat. The Galveston County Justice Center, 600 59th Street, Galveston, TX 77551, is about 10.5 miles from Hitchcock. Justice courts take eviction suits and civil claims up to $20,000. County courts overlap for claims from $200 to $20,000; and statutory county courts hear civil matters from $500 to $325,000. Because the address in dispute fixes the precinct, ask the justice court clerk. Read more at the Galveston County hub.
Eviction Notices in Hitchcock: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
The first paper in an eviction is the landlord's written notice to vacate, giving three days or more unless the lease sets a different time. Mail, a hand-off to a tenant 16 or older, placement inside the unit, and written-agreement email are the permitted delivery routes. Because weekends and holidays are counted, a deadline on one moves to the next business day. Following that, a sworn petition is filed in justice court, and only a sheriff or constable serves the eviction citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Hitchcock Defendants
For divorces, district court issues the citation. Serving the other spouse in person, or by certified mail with a return receipt, comes first. If that fails, the filer may ask under Rule 106(b), swearing to places the person may be and the tries made, for email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide explains the steps. A company's registered agent can accept service. The plaintiff can request default only when ten days have gone by since filing the return.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Hitchcock
Hitchcock Police Department is the local agency. Records may sit at Shriners Hospitals for Children (815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, about 14.0 miles), University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston (301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, about 14.2 miles) or Memorial Hermann Houston Physicians Hospital (333 N Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598, about 18.8 miles). A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance, and a custodian $1. See the subpoena guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Hitchcock
Hitchcock is ZIP 77563, with Alvin, La Marque, Tiki Island, Santa Fe and Bayou Vista listed as neighbors.
Hitchcock Process Server FAQ
Do I serve my own papers?
No, a party cannot.
Who accepts papers for a corporation?
The registered agent, or the corporate president or a vice president.
What if the person is avoiding me?
Ask the judge for a Rule 106(b) order with a sworn account of your attempts.