A process server in Wharton, Texas, the seat of Wharton County and a city of 8,627, can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate, and the courthouse is only 0.5 miles away. The attempt comes within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours by tier, and a signed Rule 107 Return of Service emailed as proof. Wharton has its own police department, and its closest hospital in range is about 13.2 miles away in El Campo.
What a Process Server Costs in Wharton: Three Flat Tiers
The tiers are posted on the pricing page; the order form takes your job.
- Standard Service: $69 per job, with an attempt within 5 business days.
- Rush Service: $119 per job, with an attempt within 48 hours.
- 24-Hour Service: $169 per job, with an attempt within 24 hours.
Wharton County constables and the sheriff serve civil papers too. Fees come from the commissioners court (Local Government Code 118.131). A private server is another choice.
Who May Serve Papers in Wharton: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 allows service by sheriffs and constables, by adults 18 or older named in a written order, and by servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. Parties and people with a stake in the case may not. The Rule 103 guide explains the certification route.
Where Wharton Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Wharton County Courthouse, 103 South Fulton Street, Wharton, TX 77488, is about 0.5 miles from town because Wharton is the county seat. Justice court hears claims up to $20,000 and evictions; county court overlaps from $200 up to $20,000; statutory county courts hear $500 to $325,000 civil cases. The precinct follows the address in dispute, and the county justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Wharton County hub.
Eviction Notices in Wharton: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Written notice to vacate: at least three days, unless a lease sets another length. It may be mailed, handed to a tenant 16 or older, left inside the premises, or emailed under a written agreement. Weekends and holidays count, but a deadline on one moves ahead. The landlord then files a sworn petition in justice court, and only a sheriff or constable serves the citation.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Wharton Defendants
A divorce petition goes to district court. Serve the defendant by hand or by certified mail with return receipt requested. If that fails, a sworn Rule 106(b) motion can win approval for email, social media or a handoff to someone over 16. The Rule 106(b) guide describes it. Answer day is 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days. Default needs ten days of proof on file.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Wharton
Wharton Police Department is the local agency. Hospitals in range: El Campo Memorial Hospital (303 Sandy Corner Rd, El Campo, TX 77437, about 13.2 miles) and Rice Medical Center (600 South Austin Road, Eagle Lake, TX 77434, about 23.7 miles). Witnesses are owed $10 per day and records custodians $1. The subpoena guide has details.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Wharton
Wharton is ZIP 77488. Neighbors include El Campo, East Bernard and Needville.
Wharton Process Server FAQ
How is a company served?
Via its registered agent, president or a vice president.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
Once ten days have passed with the proof on file.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. Plaintiffs cannot serve.