Rockdale sits in Milam County, and the county seat of Cameron is about 13.6 miles away, so a process server in Rockdale, Texas often prepares papers for a courthouse in a neighboring city. Rockdale has 5,330 residents and its own police department. Citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate are all served, with the attempt inside 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours depending on tier. Proof arrives as a signed Rule 107 Return of Service by email.
Rockdale Costs: Three Flat Process Server Tiers Explained
The slowest and least expensive is Standard Service at $69; with its attempt within 5 business days. The middle one is Rush Service at $119; with its attempt within 48 hours. The quickest is 24-Hour Service at $169; with its attempt within 24 hours. Prices live on the pricing page, and the order form is how a job begins.
Fees for Milam County's sheriff and constables come from a schedule the commissioners court sets under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is a different route.
Who May Serve Papers in Rockdale: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 gives three answers to the question of who may serve. Officers may. Adults 18 or older may, once a court has said so in writing. So may servers holding a Judicial Branch Certification Commission credential. The rule gives one answer to the question of who may not: parties and anyone interested in the case. See the Rule 103 guide.
Where Rockdale Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Cameron is the county seat, and the Milam County Courthouse is at 102 South Fannin Avenue, Cameron, TX 76520, about 13.6 miles from Rockdale. Justice court hears evictions and civil claims up to $20,000. County court overlaps for claims from $200 to $20,000; and a statutory county court may hear civil cases from $500 to $325,000. The justice precinct follows the address in dispute, so the justice court clerk can confirm it. The Milam County hub has more.
Eviction Notices in Rockdale: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
The path to an eviction case in Rockdale starts with a written notice to vacate. It gives at least three days unless the lease says otherwise. It can go by mail, by hand to a tenant 16 or older, inside the premises, or by email where the tenant agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count, with a due date on one moving ahead. Once that time has run, the landlord can file a sworn petition with the justice court, and law enforcement delivers the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Rockdale Defendants
Divorce is filed in district court. Serve the citation and petition on the spouse by hand, or by certified mail asking for a return receipt. If that fails, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion naming likely places and earlier tries can lead the judge to approve email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide describes it. A corporation is served through its registered agent. Ten days of filed proof is the minimum before default.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Rockdale
Rockdale Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: Burleson St Joseph Health Center (1101 Woodson Drive, Caldwell, TX 77836, about 19.7 miles) and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center -Taylor (305 Mallard, Taylor, TX 76574, about 24.5 miles). A witness is owed $10 per day of attendance and a custodian $1. The subpoena guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Rockdale
Rockdale is ZIP 76567. Neighbors listed: Thorndale, Cameron and Lexington.
Rockdale Process Server FAQ
Can a friend serve for me?
Only a friend with no stake in the case, and only under a written court order or with JBCC certification.
What if a defendant dodges?
Seek a Rule 106(b) order with a sworn account of the tries.
What starts the default clock?
The date proof of service is filed.