Livingston is a Polk County town of 5,651 that is also the county seat, and the courthouse is only 0.3 miles from the center, so a process server in Livingston, Texas works close to the clerk. The service list covers citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate. An attempt lands within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours, based on tier, and the signed Rule 107 Return of Service arrives by email. The town has its own police department, and a hospital about 7.2 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Livingston: Three Flat Tiers
An attempt within 5 business days costs $69 under Standard Service. An attempt within 48 hours costs $119 under Rush Service. An attempt within 24 hours costs $169 under 24-Hour Service. Browse the pricing page, then open the order form.
Polk County's constables and sheriff charge according to a schedule the commissioners court adopts annually (Local Government Code 118.131). Private service is simply another path.
Who May Serve Papers in Livingston: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 narrows service to three groups. The first is law officers. The second is adults 18 or older named in a written court order. The third is process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Anyone suing, anyone sued, and anyone who benefits from the outcome is excluded. The certification guide has more.
Where Livingston Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Livingston is the county seat, so the Polk County Courthouse at 101 West Church Street, Livingston, TX 77351 is about 0.3 miles from the center. Evictions and civil claims up to $20,000 are justice court business, county court overlaps from $200 to $20,000; and a statutory county court can hear civil cases from $500 to $325,000. Which justice precinct applies turns on the address in dispute; the justice court clerk can say. See the Polk County hub.
Eviction Notices in Livingston: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Texas wants the notice to vacate in writing, and it wants it first. The tenant gets at least three days unless a lease sets different timing. Acceptable delivery: mailing, handing it to a tenant who is 16 or older, putting it inside the unit, or emailing it with prior written consent. Weekends and holidays are in the count; a final day on one shifts to the next business day. Court comes second, with a sworn petition and a citation served by a sheriff or constable.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Livingston Defendants
District court handles divorce, and the other spouse needs the citation and petition. Delivering them directly, or sending them by certified mail with a return receipt, is where service begins. If a spouse cannot be found, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion detailing likely places and earlier tries can lead a judge to allow email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. See the Rule 106(b) guide. For a corporation, serve the registered agent. A plaintiff cannot seek default until ten days after the return is filed.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Livingston
Livingston Police Department is the local agency. CHI St Lukes Health Memorial Livingston (1717 Hwy 59 Bypass, Livingston, TX 77351) is about 7.2 miles away and is the one hospital in range. Witnesses are owed $10 per day of attendance and records custodians $1. The subpoena guide explains the tender.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Livingston
Livingston uses ZIP 77351. Onalaska and Shepherd are the neighbors in the data.
Livingston Process Server FAQ
Is a party allowed to deliver?
Not under Rule 103.
Does an eviction citation go to a private server?
No. A sheriff or constable carries it, though a private server may deliver the pre-suit notice.
What if a company agent cannot be found?
The Secretary of State can serve as agent when reasonable diligence fails.