Anyone who needs papers delivered in Weslaco, Texas, a Hidalgo County city of 40,185 people, can hire a process server for citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices instead of chasing the defendant alone. Standard Service gives an attempt within 5 business days. Rush Service gives one within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service within 24 hours. A signed Texas Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to the customer after delivery. Weslaco covers 16.9 square miles, and the Hidalgo County Courthouse is in Edinburg rather than in town.
What a Process Server Costs in Weslaco: Three Flat Tiers
Standard Service is $69. Rush Service is $119. 24-Hour Service is $169. The timing for each is the attempt window above, and the pricing page and order form show the same figures. If you prefer a constable or the sheriff, remember that Hidalgo County's commissioners court sets what they charge under Local Government Code 118.131, so confirm the amount with the office. A private server is an additional choice rather than a replacement.
Who May Serve Papers in Weslaco: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas draws a boundary around who can hand over a citation. Inside it: sheriffs, constables and other officers authorized by law, an adult 18 or older with written court authorization, and a process server certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Outside it: you, if you are suing or being sued, and anyone else with a personal stake. That is Rule 103 in a sentence. Certification must be renewed every two years, and the JBCC guide explains how it works.
Where Weslaco Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Edinburg is the Hidalgo County seat. The Hidalgo County Courthouse, 100 North Closner Boulevard, Edinburg, TX 78539, is about 14.6 miles from Weslaco in a straight line. Justice courts take civil cases up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, while divorce and land-title cases belong in other courts. County courts share the range above $200 up to $20,000; statutory county courts and district courts overlap for civil claims above $500 up to $325,000. A justice court precinct is determined by where the address in dispute is, and the county's justice court clerk can say which one applies. See the Hidalgo County hub.
Eviction Notices in Weslaco: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A landlord in Weslaco cannot jump straight to court. First comes a written notice to vacate, at least three days unless a lease or agreement picks a different length. The Property Code accepts mail, delivery to a conspicuous place inside the home, a hand-off to a tenant who is 16 or older, or electronic communication if the parties agreed in writing. Weekends and holidays are counted, and a deadline landing on one rolls to the next business day. Then a sworn petition goes to the justice court. Private servers may deliver that notice, but the court's eviction citation can only be served by a sheriff or constable. After 5 business days without service, the landlord may request an alias citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Weslaco Defendants
In a divorce, the citation and petition are delivered to the spouse in person or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. A spouse who cannot be found calls for a Rule 106(b) motion. It must include a sworn statement, or one made under penalty of perjury, naming places the person is likely to be and describing what happened at each. The court may then allow papers to be left with someone older than 16, or sent by email or social media. Business defendants are reached through a registered agent, or an officer such as a president or vice president, with the Secretary of State as the fallback. A default judgment waits for ten days of proof on file. Our Rule 106(b) guide covers more.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Weslaco
Weslaco has a hospital in town: Knapp Medical Center, 1401 East Eight Street, Weslaco, TX 78596, about 0.8 miles away. Farther out are South Texas Health System, 1102 W Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539 (about 14.0 miles) and Driscoll Children's Hospital Rio Grande Valley, 2820 W Michaelangelo Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539 (about 14.7 miles). Weslaco Police Department is the local police agency. For a witness subpoena the server delivers a copy and tenders the $10 daily fee, paid by the party calling the witness. A records custodian is owed $1. Records from a nonparty require 10 days' notice to every party before the subpoena is served. The fee guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Weslaco
Weslaco's ZIP codes are 78596 and 78599. Next to it are Mercedes, Donna and Progreso.
Weslaco Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Rule 103 does not allow a party or other interested person to serve process.
How is a company served?
Usually through its registered agent at the registered office, or by serving a president or vice president of a corporation. See services.
What if the person avoids service?
Document each attempt and ask the court for a Rule 106(b) order. The FAQ page has more.