A process server in Schertz, Texas can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices for cases heading into Bexar County courts. Standard Service puts the attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. When the papers are delivered, a signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service goes to you by email so you have proof to file. Schertz is a city of 42,017 people that reaches into Guadalupe and Comal counties as well, so the first thing to pin down on any job is which county's court the case sits in.
What a Process Server Costs in Schertz: Three Flat Tiers
Pricing is flat and listed on the pricing page, with the same three choices on the order form:
- Standard Service, $69: attempt within 5 business days.
- Rush Service, $119: attempt within 48 hours.
- 24-Hour Service, $169: attempt within 24 hours.
Nothing else is added to those numbers. Constables and sheriffs are another route in Texas, and what they charge is decided by each county's commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131, so it can differ from one county to the next. A private server is simply another option, and the tier you pick depends on how soon the other side needs to receive the case.
Who May Serve Papers in Schertz: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure sets out who is allowed to deliver a citation. That can be a sheriff or constable, a person at least 18 who has written court authorization, or a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Anyone with a stake in the outcome is barred, which means the plaintiff cannot hand the papers over personally. A friend or relative who is interested in the suit is out too. Our guide to JBCC certification and Rule 103 walks through the details.
Where Schertz Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Because Schertz sits in three counties, your paperwork may point to Bexar, Guadalupe or Comal. For Bexar matters, the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 is about 17.5 miles from Schertz in a straight line, and San Antonio is the county seat. Justice courts take civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest), along with eviction cases. County courts overlap with them for amounts above $200 up to $20,000 and statutory county courts share civil jurisdiction with district courts for claims over $500 up to $325,000. Which justice court precinct applies depends on where the address in dispute lies, and the county's justice court clerk can confirm it. The Bexar County page has more on that county.
Eviction Notices in Schertz: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord in Schertz generally has to give a tenant at least three days of written notice to vacate before filing, unless a written lease or agreement sets a shorter or longer period. Texas law now lists the ways to deliver that notice: mail, leaving it inside the premises in a conspicuous place, handing it to a tenant who is 16 or older, or electronic communication when the parties agreed to that in writing. Weekends and holidays count toward the days, though a deadline landing on one rolls to the next business day. A private process server can hand-deliver the notice. The eviction suit itself is different: the justice court issues the citation, and only a sheriff or constable may serve it. If that has not happened within 5 business days of filing, the landlord can ask for an alias citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Schertz Defendants
A citation in a divorce or other district or county court case goes to the defendant by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail with a return receipt. If neither works, Rule 106(b) lets a judge authorize another method after reading a sworn statement that lists where the person can likely be found and what was tried there. Leaving papers with a roommate or on a door is not allowed without that order; see the Rule 106(b) guide. Businesses are served through a registered agent, and a corporation's president or a vice president also counts. If no agent can be found, the Secretary of State can receive the papers. After service, the clerk must hold proof of service for ten days, not counting the filing day or the day of judgment, before a default judgment may be signed.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Schertz
Subpoenas are served by delivering a copy to the witness and tendering any fee the law requires. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the party who summons them when the subpoena is served, and a custodian who produces or certifies records is entitled to $1. Schertz Police Department is the local police agency if you need a report. Hospitals within range include Baptist Neighborhood Hospital Thousand Oaks at 16088 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78232 (about 13.5 miles), Methodist Hospital Stone Oak at 1139 E Sonterra Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78258 (about 13.9 miles), and South Texas Spine and Surgical Hospital at 18600 North Hardy Oak Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78258 (about 14.1 miles). A request for documents from a nonparty needs 10 days' notice to every party before the subpoena goes out. More on fees is in the subpoena fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Schertz
Schertz uses ZIP codes 78108, 78132 and 78154. Nearby places include Cibolo, San Antonio, Garden Ridge, Converse, Selma and Universal City, which matters when a defendant splits time between households.
Schertz Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. As a party to the case you are an interested person, and Rule 103 keeps interested persons from serving. Ask a sheriff, constable or certified server instead.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Proof of service must sit on file with the clerk for ten days, leaving out the filing day and the judgment day. Only then can the court sign a default.
How is a company served?
Usually through its registered agent at the registered office. If that fails, the Secretary of State may step in. For fuller coverage of our offerings, see services.