Between La Marque and the Galveston County Justice Center there are about 11.0 miles, and a process server in La Marque, TX closes that gap for people who need a citation, petition, subpoena or notice delivered in a city of 18,371. Pick the speed that suits your deadline: Standard Service allows an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service allows one within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service allows one within 24 hours. The signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service is then emailed to you. The city spreads over 13.8 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in La Marque: Three Flat Tiers
There is a flat price per speed. Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. They are on the pricing page, and you book on the order form. Galveston County's constables and sheriff are another way to get papers served, and the commissioners court sets their fees under Local Government Code 118.131, so that figure is theirs to give. A private server is a further option.
Who May Serve Papers in La Marque: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 shuts out parties and anyone with an interest in the lawsuit's result. Of the rest, the eligible ones are sheriffs, constables and other persons authorized by law, adults 18 or older named in a written court order, and process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide has the details.
Where La Marque Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Galveston is the county seat, and the Galveston County Justice Center is at 600 59th Street, Galveston, TX 77551, about 11.0 miles from La Marque in a straight line. A justice court will take a civil claim up to $20,000 (excluding interest) or an eviction, but not a divorce. County courts also hear amounts above $200 up to $20,000. Civil cases over $500 up to $325,000 may be heard by a statutory county court or a district court. The justice court clerk can confirm the precinct, which follows the disputed address. See the Galveston County page.
Eviction Notices in La Marque: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
La Marque landlords start their eviction cases with a piece of paper, the notice to vacate. It must be written, and it must give at least three days unless the lease or agreement provides a different period. Mail, a conspicuous spot inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant who is 16 or older, or agreed electronic communication all qualify. Weekend and holiday days are part of the count, but a last day on one carries over to the next business day. The sworn petition follows in justice court. A private server may deliver the notice; only a sheriff or constable may serve the eviction citation, and an alias citation can be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for La Marque Defendants
When La Marque spouses divorce, the one being sued is entitled to a citation and a copy of the petition. Rule 106(a) lets the plaintiff deliver them in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If that fails, Rule 106(b) allows court-approved alternatives after a motion with a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier efforts, including leaving the papers with a person older than 16 or sending them by email or social media. A company can be served through its registered agent, its president or a vice president, or the Secretary of State. Before any default judgment, ten days of proof of service must be on file. The Rule 106(b) guide explains.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near La Marque
La Marque Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, 18300 St John Drive, Nassau Bay, TX 77058 (about 13.7 miles), Shriners Hospitals for Children, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550 (about 13.7 miles), and Memorial Hermann Houston Physicians Hospital, 333 N Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598 (about 13.8 miles). The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the summoning party, and a custodian who produces records is owed $1. When documents sit with a nonparty, all parties get 10 days' notice before the subpoena is served. The fee guide goes further.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around La Marque
La Marque has ZIP codes 77563 and 77568, and it borders Texas City, Hitchcock, Santa Fe and Bayou Vista.
La Marque Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Under Rule 103 neither side of the lawsuit may serve it.
How is a company served?
The registered agent is the usual route. A corporate president or vice president also counts, and the Secretary of State covers cases where no agent turns up. More answers are on the services page and in the FAQ.