When a case involves someone in Stephenville, a city of 20,961 people and the seat of Erath County, a process server in Stephenville, Texas can pick up the papers and deliver them without leaving the neighborhood of the courthouse. That includes citations and petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate. The timing options are Standard Service with an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service with one within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service with one within 24 hours. Once delivery is done, the signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you. The city covers 12.0 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in Stephenville: Three Flat Tiers
Stephenville customers see exactly three prices. Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. Both the pricing page and the order form show them. If you are wondering about Erath County's constables or the sheriff, they can serve too, but the amounts they bill come from the commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131, and nothing here speaks for them. Hiring a private server is simply another way to proceed.
Who May Serve Papers in Stephenville: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
One sentence of Rule 103 does most of the work: no party and no person interested in the outcome may serve process. That excludes the person who filed in Erath County and the person being sued. Everyone else must fit a category. Sheriffs, constables and other persons authorized by law fit one. Adults 18 or older with a written court order fit another. Process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission fit the third, and their certification lasts two years before it has to be renewed. A clerk can also mail a citation by registered or certified mail when asked. The certification guide has more.
Where Stephenville Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Erath County Courthouse is at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401, about 1.1 miles from Stephenville's center, and Stephenville is the county seat. Money claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and eviction cases are for justice court. Divorces are not. County courts accept claims over $200 up to $20,000 too. If a civil case is worth over $500 and up to $325,000 a statutory county court and a district court overlap. Because the justice court precinct depends on where the disputed address is, the justice court clerk can say which one applies. See the Erath County page.
Eviction Notices in Stephenville: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Stephenville landlord may not skip ahead to a lawsuit. The first requirement is a written notice to vacate of at least three days, unless the lease or agreement sets a different period. The next requirement is delivering that notice in a way the statute allows: mail, a conspicuous place inside the premises, a hand-off to a tenant 16 or older, or electronic communication where the parties agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays are counted in the days, and a last day on one moves to the next business day. After that, the sworn petition goes to justice court. A private process server can deliver the notice, although the eviction citation must be served by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation can be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Stephenville Defendants
In a divorce, the spouse gets a citation and a copy of the petition, delivered in person or mailed by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. A spouse who cannot be located may be served another way if a court approves it. The plaintiff files a Rule 106(b) motion with a sworn statement, or one made under penalty of perjury, naming probable locations and the efforts made. The court might allow the papers to be left with someone over 16 or sent by email or social media. Companies go through their registered agent, a president or vice president of a corporation, or the Secretary of State. The court cannot enter a default until proof of service has been on file ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide explains the motion.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Stephenville
The Stephenville Police Department handles local reports. For medical records, the only hospital in range is Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenvill, 411 N Belknap St, Stephenville, TX 76401, about 1.1 miles away. A subpoena is served by delivering a copy to the witness and tendering any fee required. That means $10 for each day of attendance, paid by the party summoning the witness, and $1 for a custodian who produces records. Anyone who wants documents from a nonparty must give all parties 10 days' notice before the subpoena is served. The fee guide goes further.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Stephenville
Stephenville has two ZIP codes, 76401 and 76402. Its neighbors are Dublin, Hico and De Leon.
Stephenville Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party to the suit is barred by Rule 103, however simple the delivery looks.
What if the person avoids service?
Keep a record of each attempt, including the date and place, and ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order. The services page and the FAQ have related answers.
How is a company served?
By delivery to its registered agent, or to a corporate president or vice president, with the Secretary of State as a last resort.