Papers headed for a Harris County court from Tomball have a long way to go, since the downtown Houston courthouse is 27.9 miles from this city of 12,335 people, and a process server in Tomball, TX can take care of delivery before the filing deadline matters. Speeds run from Standard Service, with the attempt inside 5 business days, to Rush Service at 48 hours and 24-Hour Service at 24 hours. What gets delivered can be a citation, petition, subpoena or notice. The signed Rule 107 Return of Service then comes to your inbox. Tomball covers 13.0 square miles.
What a Process Server Costs in Tomball: Three Flat Tiers
| Standard Service | $69 |
|---|---|
| Rush Service | $119 |
| 24-Hour Service | $169 |
Distance does not change those prices; the pricing page and order form list exactly that table. Harris County's constables and sheriff are an alternative, though the commissioners court determines their fees under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is simply another possibility.
Who May Serve Papers in Tomball: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
It is tempting for a Tomball plaintiff to hand the citation over personally, and Rule 103 forbids it, as it forbids every other party and interested person. The list of who can is short: officers such as sheriffs and constables, adults 18 or older whom a written court order names, and process servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide tells how that certificate works.
Where Tomball Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Tomball's cases head to Houston, the Harris County seat, and the Harris County Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002, is about 27.9 miles from Tomball in a straight line. Justice courts decide civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and eviction suits; they cannot decide divorces. A county court shares the band from over $200 up to $20,000. For civil cases over $500 up to $325,000 a statutory county court or a district court may be used. Which precinct covers a Tomball address follows the address in dispute, so ask the justice court clerk. See the Harris County page.
Eviction Notices in Tomball: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
For a Tomball tenant, eviction begins with a landlord's notice to vacate. It has to be in writing. It has to allow at least three days, unless the lease or agreement says something else. It has to arrive by mail, by a conspicuous placement inside the premises, by hand to a tenant 16 or older, or by electronic communication agreed in writing. And the days are counted on the calendar, weekends and holidays included, with a deadline on one moving to the next business day. Then the landlord files a sworn petition with the justice court. A hired process server can deliver the notice; the eviction citation, though, goes through a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation may be requested after 5 business days.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Tomball Defendants
A Harris County divorce defendant gets the citation and petition directly or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. A defendant who cannot be reached can still be served, but only after a judge approves another method under Rule 106(b). The plaintiff's motion must carry a sworn statement of likely locations and earlier attempts. Approved methods have included papers left with a person over 16 and delivery by email or social media. For a business, look to the registered agent, a corporation's president or vice president, or the Secretary of State. No default judgment may be signed until proof of service has been on file ten days. The Rule 106(b) guide has more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Tomball
For records, HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, 605 Holderrieth, Tomball, TX 77375, is about 0.5 miles away. Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, 24500 Northwest Fwy, Cypress, TX 77429, is about 7.4 miles, and St Luke's Hospital at the Vintage, 20171 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston, TX 77070, about 7.9 miles. To serve a subpoena, the server delivers a copy to the witness along with whatever fee applies. A witness is owed $10 for each day of attendance, and whoever summons the witness pays it; a records custodian is owed $1. If the documents belong to a nonparty, all parties must receive 10 days' notice before service. See the fee guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Tomball
Tomball is covered by ZIP codes 77375 and 77377, and Houston, Magnolia and Oak Ridge North are close by.
Tomball Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. As a party you are barred from serving by Rule 103.
How is a company served?
Through its registered agent or an officer, or through the Secretary of State when no one else can be found. See the services page and the FAQ.