Luling is a Caldwell County city of 5,595, but the Caldwell County Justice Center in Lockhart is about 12.6 miles away, so a process server in Luling, Texas frequently prepares papers for a courthouse outside town. Anything from a citation to a subpoena or a notice to vacate can be served, with the attempt within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours depending on tier, and proof arrives as an emailed, signed Rule 107 Return of Service. Luling has its own police department and a hospital only 0.8 miles away.
Luling Costs: Three Flat Tiers for a Process Server
- $69: Standard Service, attempt inside 5 business days.
- $119: Rush Service, attempt inside 48 hours.
- $169: 24-Hour Service, attempt inside 24 hours.
The pricing page lists all three, and the order form begins the job. Caldwell County officers serve under a separate schedule that the commissioners court sets (Local Government Code 118.131), and a private server is a third way.
Who May Serve Papers in Luling: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 gives a short list of who may serve: peace officers, adults of 18 and older appointed by written order, and Judicial Branch Certification Commission certified servers. It rules out parties, and it rules out anyone with an interest in the case. The Rule 103 guide has more.
Where Luling Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Lockhart is the county seat, and the Caldwell County Justice Center sits at 1703 South Colorado Street, Lockhart, TX 78644, about 12.6 miles from Luling. The justice court takes evictions and civil claims up to $20,000. County court overlaps from $200 to $20,000. A statutory county court, if the county has one, hears civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice precinct follows the address in dispute, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Caldwell County hub.
Eviction Notices in Luling: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
The landlord's notice to vacate has to be in writing and give three days or more, unless the lease says something else. It reaches the tenant by mail, by hand to someone 16 or older, inside the premises, or by email if agreed in writing. The count takes in weekends and holidays; a deadline on one of them moves ahead. When the period is over, a sworn petition goes to justice court. The citation is served by a sheriff or constable.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Luling Defendants
Divorces are filed in district court. The citation and petition are served by hand or by certified mail with return receipt. If those fail, the filer can bring a sworn Rule 106(b) motion listing likely places and earlier tries, and the judge may allow email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide explains. Companies are served through registered agents. The plaintiff cannot ask for default until the return has been filed ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Luling
Luling Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Ascension Seton Edgar B Davis (130 Hays Street, Luling, TX 78648, about 0.8 miles), Memorial Hospital (1110 North Sarah Dewitt Drive, Gonzales, TX 78629, about 16.3 miles) and Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (1215 E Court St, Seguin, TX 78155, about 19.7 miles). A witness is owed $10 per day and a custodian $1. The subpoena guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Luling
Luling uses ZIP 78648. Neighbors listed: Lockhart, Martindale and Gonzales.
Luling Process Server FAQ
Can a party serve?
No.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent.
When can a default be taken?
Ten days after proof is filed.