A process server in Rio Grande City, Texas is working at the seat of Starr County, where the courthouse stands only about 0.1 miles from the city's center. About 15,299 people live in Rio Grande City, which covers 11.4 square miles. Delivery of citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices is available at three speeds: Standard Service with an attempt inside 5 business days, Rush Service inside 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service inside 24 hours. The paperwork that proves delivery, a signed Rule 107 Return of Service, reaches you by email.
What a Process Server Costs in Rio Grande City: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service costs $69. Rush Service costs $119. 24-Hour Service costs $169. Those are the only prices, and the pricing page and order form say the same. Starr County's constables and sheriff may serve as well, with fees the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is another option.
Who May Serve Papers in Rio Grande City: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 treats service as a job for outsiders to the dispute. If you are a party, or you gain or lose from the case, you are out. If you are not, you still need one of three descriptions: sheriff, constable or other person authorized by law; adult 18 or older named in a written court order; or process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide has more.
Where Rio Grande City Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Rio Grande City is the Starr County seat. The Starr County Courthouse is at 401 North Britton Avenue, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, about 0.1 miles from the center of town. A justice court is where civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and eviction suits are heard, and divorces are not. County courts share the band from over $200 to $20,000 and bigger civil cases, from over $500 to $325,000 can also go before a statutory county court or a district court. For the precinct, call the justice court clerk, since it follows the disputed address. The Starr County page has more.
Eviction Notices in Rio Grande City: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Take it from the top. A Rio Grande City landlord writes a notice to vacate. It has to give at least three days, unless the lease or agreement says otherwise. It has to be delivered by mail, by a conspicuous placement inside the premises, by hand to a tenant 16 or older, or by electronic communication agreed in writing. It has to run through weekends and holidays, though a last day on one moves to the next business day. Once the days have run, the landlord's sworn petition goes to justice court. A private server can deliver the notice. The eviction citation has to be served by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation is possible after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Rio Grande City Defendants
Divorce defendants in Starr County are served with the citation and petition personally or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. If that fails, Rule 106(b) lets the plaintiff ask the court for another method, backed by a sworn statement naming probable locations and earlier attempts. The judge might approve papers left with a person over 16, or email or social media. For a company, the target is its registered agent, a corporation's president or a vice president, or lastly the Secretary of State. The clerk must hold proof of service ten days before a default is granted. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Rio Grande City
Rio Grande City Police Department covers the city. Starr County Memorial Hospital, 128 N FM Rd 3167, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, is about 2.4 miles away and is the only hospital in range. The server gives the witness a copy of the subpoena and tenders any fee the law calls for. The witness fee is $10 for each day of attendance, due from the party who summons the witness, and a records custodian is owed $1. Nonparty documents need 10 days' notice to all parties. See the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Rio Grande City
Rio Grande City uses ZIP code 78582. Escobares, Roma and La Grulla are nearby.
Rio Grande City Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 excludes parties.
What if the person avoids service?
Keep notes on each try and ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order. See services and the FAQ.