With 19,715 residents packed into 5.6 square miles of Bexar County, Universal City is dense enough that a process server in Universal City, Texas can often clear several addresses in a visit. Three speeds exist: Standard Service looks for an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service within 48 hours and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. A signed Rule 107 Return of Service reaches you by email once the papers are delivered. Bexar County's courthouse is in San Antonio, about 14.3 miles from Universal City.
What a Process Server Costs in Universal City: Three Flat Tiers
The rate card is brief. Standard Service sells for $69. Rush Service sells for $119. 24-Hour Service sells for $169. You can read the same card on the pricing page and act on it through the order form. The county's constables and sheriff can serve too, at a rate the commissioners court adopts under Local Government Code 118.131.
Who May Serve Papers in Universal City: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
A quick rule from Rule 103: if you have a stake in the lawsuit, you may not serve it. If you do not, you must still be a sheriff, constable or other person authorized by law, or an adult 18 or older named in a written court order, or a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. The certification guide fills in the rest.
Where Universal City Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The seat of Bexar County is San Antonio, home of the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio, TX 78205. In a straight line it is about 14.3 miles from Universal City. Justice court is open to civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and to eviction cases; it does not decide divorces. A county court can also take claims from over $200 up to $20,000. Civil cases from over $500 up to $325,000 can go to a statutory county court or a district court. Which precinct covers your Universal City address depends on that address, and the justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Bexar County page.
Eviction Notices in Universal City: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Anyone renting out a home in Universal City who needs it back must first put a notice to vacate in writing. At least three days must be given, unless the lease or agreement says otherwise. Mailing works, as does leaving it inside the premises in a conspicuous place, handing it to a tenant who is 16 or older, or sending it electronically when the parties agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays count, and a last day on one waits until the next business day. A sworn petition then goes to justice court. A private process server may deliver the notice. The justice court's eviction citation, on the other hand, can be served only by a sheriff or constable, and an alias citation may be requested if 5 business days pass after filing.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Universal City Defendants
Divorce papers need a citation that reaches the spouse by hand or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested. When it cannot, Rule 106(b) offers a judge-approved alternative. The plaintiff must file a motion with a sworn statement naming likely locations and describing each earlier try. The order might allow papers to be left with a person over 16 or to be sent by email or social media. If the defendant is a company, its registered agent, a president or vice president, or the Secretary of State may receive them. Ten days of proof of service on file are required before default. The Rule 106(b) guide covers the process.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Universal City
The hospitals in range are all in San Antonio: Baptist Neighborhood Hospital Thousand Oaks, 16088 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78232 (about 10.3 miles), Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, 1139 E Sonterra Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78258 (about 10.9 miles), and South Texas Spine and Surgical Hospital, 18600 North Hardy Oak Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78258 (about 11.1 miles). A subpoena goes to the witness as a delivered copy together with any fee the law requires. The witness fee is $10 per day of attendance, paid by the summoning party, with $1 owed to a records custodian. If the records belong to a nonparty, give every party 10 days' notice first. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Universal City
Universal City uses ZIP code 78148, and its neighbors are Selma, Converse, Live Oak and Schertz.
Universal City Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 bars parties from serving their own cases.
What if the person avoids service?
Keep notes on each attempt and ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order. The services page and the FAQ have more.