A process server in Whitehouse, Texas, a Smith County city of 8,256, can serve citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate. The attempt is made within 5 business days, 48 hours or 24 hours depending on tier, and a signed Rule 107 Return of Service is emailed to you afterward. The county seat, Tyler, is about 10.1 miles away, and Whitehouse has its own police department.
Whitehouse Prices: What a Process Server Costs
Each price is on the pricing page; the order form is where a job starts.
- Standard Service is $69. Attempt within 5 business days.
- Rush Service is $119. Attempt within 48 hours.
- 24-Hour Service is $169. Attempt within 24 hours.
The Smith County sheriff and constables are another route, with fees set by the commissioners court under Local Government Code 118.131. A private server is simply another choice.
Who May Serve Papers in Whitehouse: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Rule 103 lists who may serve: sheriffs, constables and other persons authorized by law; adults 18 or older under a written court order; and servers certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission. A party cannot serve, nor can an interested person. The certification guide has background.
Where Whitehouse Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
Tyler is the county seat. The Smith County Courthouse, 100 North Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75702-7298, is about 10.1 miles from Whitehouse. Justice court covers claims up to $20,000 and evictions; county court overlaps from $200 to $20,000; statutory county courts hear $500 to $325,000. The address in dispute sets the justice court precinct, and the county justice court clerk can confirm it. See the Smith County hub.
Eviction Notices in Whitehouse: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
Written notice to vacate must give at least three days unless a lease provides another time. Mail, hand delivery to a tenant 16 or older, leaving it inside the premises, and email under a written agreement are all allowed. Weekend and holiday days count, with a last day on one moving to the next business day. Next the landlord swears out a petition in justice court, whose citation a sheriff or constable delivers.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Whitehouse Defendants
Divorce cases go to district court. The spouse is served in hand or by certified mail asking for a return receipt. When that fails, Rule 106(b) lets a judge approve email, social media or papers left with an adult over 16 after a sworn motion. The Rule 106(b) guide describes the steps. Businesses are served through registered agents. Rule 107(h) forces a ten-day pause before default.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Whitehouse
Whitehouse Police Department covers the city. Hospitals in range: Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital (1814 Roseland Boulevard, Tyler, TX 75701, about 8.8 miles), UT Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital (1000 South Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701, about 9.1 miles) and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital (800 East Dawson, Tyler, TX 75701, about 9.3 miles). A witness fee of $10 per day applies and a records custodian is owed $1. The subpoena guide has more.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Cities Around Whitehouse
Whitehouse mail goes to ZIP 75791. Neighbors: Troup, Bullard and Tyler.
Whitehouse Process Server FAQ
What if the person avoids service?
Request a Rule 106(b) order showing the tries under oath.
Can papers be taped to a door?
Only with a court order.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A party cannot.