Lumberton, a Hardin County city of 13,557 people, is about 10.1 miles from the county seat of Kountze, and a process server in Lumberton, TX makes that run for citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices. The city covers 13.4 square miles. Standard Service begins with an attempt inside 5 business days. Rush Service plans one within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service plans one within 24 hours. Delivery is proven by a signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service sent to your email. Altus Lumberton Hospital is only about 0.9 miles away.
What a Process Server Costs in Lumberton: Three Flat Tiers
Prices in Lumberton are flat: Standard Service at $69 Rush Service at $119 and 24-Hour Service at $169 listed from the slowest speed to the fastest. The same three rates are on the pricing page and the order form. Hardin County's constables and sheriff may serve too, with fees the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is another option.
Who May Serve Papers in Lumberton: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
You might hear that any adult can serve a lawsuit. In Texas that is only partly true. Under Rule 103, an adult 18 or older can serve if a written court order says so. Sheriffs, constables and other persons authorized by law can serve without one, and so can process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A party can never serve. See the certification guide.
Where Lumberton Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Kountze is the Hardin County seat, and the Hardin County Courthouse is at 300 West Monroe Street, Kountze, TX 77625, about 10.1 miles from Lumberton in a straight line. Civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and eviction suits are justice court cases, but divorces are not. County courts accept amounts over $200 up to $20,000 and civil cases over $500 up to $325,000 may be heard by a statutory county court or a district court. To learn which precinct covers an address, call the justice court clerk. The Hardin County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Lumberton: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
In Lumberton a landlord starts with a notice to vacate on paper. The tenant must receive at least three days, unless the lease or agreement says otherwise. The Property Code allows mail, a conspicuous placement inside the premises, hand delivery to a tenant who is 16 or older, and electronic communication agreed in writing. Calendar days count, so weekends and holidays are included, but a final day on one waits until the next business day. A sworn petition is then filed in justice court. A private process server can deliver the notice but not the eviction citation, which is for a sheriff or constable; an alias citation is available after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Lumberton Defendants
The citation in a divorce should reach the spouse in person or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. If that does not work, Rule 106(b) lets the plaintiff ask the court for another method, supported by a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts. Papers might then be left with a person over 16, or sent by email or social media. For a company, serve the registered agent, a president or vice president if it is a corporation, or the Secretary of State. No default can be taken until proof of service has been on file for ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Lumberton
Lumberton Police Department covers the city. Altus Lumberton Hospital, 220 Blanco St, Lumberton, TX 77657, is the closest, at about 0.9 miles. Beaumont has two more, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas- St Elizabeth, 2830 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77702 (about 12.6 miles), and Baptist Beaumont Hospital, 3080 College Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 (about 13.9 miles). The witness receives a copy of the subpoena with any fee the law requires; the witness fee is $10 per day of attendance from the summoning party, and a records custodian is owed $1. For nonparty documents, give all parties 10 days' notice before service. See the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Lumberton
Lumberton has ZIP code 77657. Silsbee, Bevil Oaks and Kountze are its neighbors.
Lumberton Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party is barred by Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Hand the papers to its registered agent or an officer, or to the Secretary of State when needed. See the services page and the FAQ.