A process server in Shepherd, TX, a San Jacinto County city of about 2,100 people, can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate with an attempt within 5 business days, within 48 hours or within 24 hours. A signed Return of Service under Rule 107 follows by email once the papers are served. Shepherd has its own police department, but the county courthouse is in Coldspring.
What a Process Server Costs in Shepherd: Three Flat Tiers
Prices stay the same whatever the paper is. Shepherd customers can take Standard Service at $69 with an attempt within 5 business days, or pay $119 for Rush Service and get it within 48 hours. The 24-Hour Service tier is $169 and gets it within 24 hours. You can read pricing or go to the order form. Constables and sheriffs have their own fees, which county commissioners courts set under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Shepherd: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Under Rule 103, service falls to sheriffs, constables, other officers authorized by law, adults designated in a written court order, and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A party or interested person can't take part.
Where Shepherd Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
San Jacinto County Courthouse, 1 State Highway 150 in Coldspring, lies about 10.1 miles from Shepherd in a straight line. Justice court is the place for civil claims up to $20,000 excluding interest, and evictions are filed there. County courts take $200 to $20,000 and a statutory county court takes civil cases from $500 to $325,000. Precinct assignment depends on the disputed address, so ask the justice court clerk. See the San Jacinto County hub.
Eviction Notices in Shepherd: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Landlords who want a tenant out must first give written notice to vacate lasting at least three days, unless the lease specifies something different. Delivery may be by mail, by leaving it inside the premises in a conspicuous place, or by hand to a tenant 16 or older. A private server can do that. Only a sheriff or constable can serve the court's citation, and an alias is possible after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Shepherd Defendants
Texas wants a defendant handed the citation and petition, or sent them by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. If that fails, Rule 106(b) lets a court allow service by another effective means once a sworn statement lays out the facts of the attempts. Businesses answer through a registered agent. A default judgment has to wait while proof of service sits on file for ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Shepherd
The Shepherd Police Department serves the city. CHI St Lukes Health Memorial Livingston, 1717 Hwy 59 Bypass in Livingston, is about 19.7 miles away. Witnesses are entitled to $10 per attendance day and records custodians to $1.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Shepherd
Shepherd's ZIP is 77371. Cleveland, Livingston and Splendora are neighbors.
Shepherd Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
Not as a party to the case.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
After ten days of filed proof, leaving out the filing day and the judgment day.
What if the person avoids service?
A sworn Rule 106(b) motion can ask for a different method.