Katy is split among three counties, Waller, Harris and Fort Bend, and a process server in Katy, Texas has to begin by finding out which county's court has the case. Katy has 21,882 residents across 15.3 square miles, so addresses can be far apart. Whether the document is a citation, petition, subpoena or notice, you pick the pace. Standard Service starts within 5 business days. Rush Service starts within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service starts within 24 hours. A signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you after delivery. The Waller County seat of Hempstead is about 25.5 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Katy: Three Flat Tiers
The price depends on speed only. Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. The pricing page and the order form agree on each. In Waller, Harris and Fort Bend counties, constables and sheriffs may also serve, and each commissioners court sets the fees they charge under Local Government Code 118.131. Private service is another path.
Who May Serve Papers in Katy: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Katy's three counties share one state rule on who may serve. Rule 103 admits sheriffs, constables and other persons authorized by law. It admits adults 18 or older when a written court order names them. It admits process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. It turns away every party and every person with a stake in the case. The certification guide has more.
Where Katy Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
In the Waller County portion, the seat is Hempstead and the Waller County Courthouse is at 836 Austin Street, Hempstead, TX 77445, about 25.5 miles from Katy in a straight line. The Harris County and Fort Bend County portions of the city point to those counties' courts instead, so the address in the dispute decides. A justice court is the place for civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and for eviction suits, but divorces are filed elsewhere. County courts accept amounts above $200 up to $20,000 and a civil case over $500 up to $325,000 can go to a statutory county court or a district court. The justice court precinct follows the address, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. The Waller County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Katy: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Katy landlord gives written notice to vacate before filing, at least three days unless the lease or agreement sets another period. The notice can be mailed, left in a conspicuous place inside the premises, handed to a tenant 16 or older, or sent electronically if agreed in writing. Because the count runs through weekends and holidays, a final day that falls on one is carried to the next business day. The sworn petition then goes to the justice court of the precinct where the property sits. A private process server can deliver the notice; only a sheriff or constable can serve the eviction citation, and an alias citation is possible after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Katy Defendants
Katy divorce defendants are served in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If neither works, a Rule 106(b) motion with a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts may persuade the court to authorize papers left with someone over 16, or delivery by email or social media. Companies are served through a registered agent, a president or vice president of a corporation, or the Secretary of State. A default judgment waits until proof of service has been on file ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Katy
Katy Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, 23900 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77494 (about 3.3 miles), Houston Methodist West Hospital, 18500 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094 (about 8.8 miles), and Oakbend Medical Center, 1705 Jackson St, Richmond, TX 77469 (about 15.3 miles). Serving a subpoena means putting a copy in the witness's hands and tendering any fee that applies. Texas sets the witness fee at $10 for each day of attendance, paid by whoever summons, and the fee for a custodian who produces records at $1. Before a subpoena for documents held by a nonparty is served, each party must have had 10 days' notice. See the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Katy
The ZIP codes in Katy are 77493 and 77494, and the neighboring places are Houston, Brookshire and Fulshear.
Katy Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 bars parties.
How is a company served?
Via its registered agent, an officer, or the Secretary of State. See services and the FAQ.
Can papers be taped to a door?
Only under a Rule 106(b) order.