Zapata, Texas, is the seat of Zapata County, and a process server there can deliver citations, petitions, subpoenas and notices to vacate in ZIP code 78076. Standard Service provides an attempt within 5 business days, Rush Service one within 48 hours, and 24-Hour Service one within 24 hours, each ending with a signed Return of Service by email. Even as the county seat, Zapata is an unincorporated community, a Census-designated place of 5,383 people in 2020 with no city government; the county runs its courts and law enforcement.
What a Process Server Costs in Zapata: Three Flat Tiers
- Standard Service at $69 means an attempt inside 5 business days.
- Rush Service at $119 means an attempt inside 48 hours.
- 24-Hour Service at $169 means an attempt inside 24 hours.
Those flat prices cover subpoenas, notices and federal summonses served in Zapata. Texas state-court citations and summonses carry an additional $100 fee because only a sheriff, constable or certified process server, or someone a court authorizes, may serve them under TRCP 103. Details sit on the pricing page, and orders go through the order form. Zapata County's constables and sheriff also serve papers, with fees the commissioners court sets each year under Local Government Code 118.131; a private server is one more way to have them delivered.
Who May Serve Papers in Zapata: Certified Servers, Constables and Court Orders
Texas Rule 103 lets a sheriff or constable, an adult 18 or older with legal or court-ordered authority, or a person certified by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission serve a citation. A Zapata process server's certification must be renewed by the last day of the month of its second anniversary. The parties, and anyone else interested in the outcome, are shut out. The Zapata County sheriff is the law enforcement agency for the community, and the sheriff and the Zapata County constables are the only ones who may serve an eviction citation.
Where Zapata Cases Are Filed: Justice Court, County Court and District Court
The Zapata County Courthouse is at 200 East 7th Avenue, Zapata, TX 78076, only about 0.3 miles away. Justice courts in Zapata County decide civil claims up to $20,000 (excluding interest) and evictions, though not divorce, slander or title to land. The county court has concurrent jurisdiction above $200 up to that same ceiling. The precinct for a Zapata dispute follows the address involved, and the Zapata County justice court clerk can confirm it on request.
Eviction Notices in Zapata: Notice to Vacate and the Justice Court Case
A Zapata landlord gives at least three days' written notice to vacate, or the period the written lease sets. The notice may be mailed, delivered to a conspicuous place inside the home, handed to any tenant 16 or older, or sent electronically where both sides agreed in writing, and a private server can do the hand delivery. The eviction suit is a sworn petition in the justice court of the precinct where the property lies, and its citation goes only to the sheriff or a constable for service.
Divorce Papers, Citations and Substituted Service for Zapata Defendants
A Zapata spouse receives the divorce citation and petition by hand or by registered or certified mail with return receipt. When that fails, the court may order substituted service under Rule 106(b) after a sworn statement listing where the spouse can likely be found and each try made there. A Zapata business is served through its registered agent, with the Secretary of State filling in if none can be found. Once proof of service is filed, a default judgment must wait ten days.
Subpoena Service, Witness Fees and Records Near Zapata
No hospital lies within range of Zapata, so a records subpoena for a Zapata patient usually goes to the nearest hospital system that treated them. A records custodian who produces records under subpoena is entitled to $1. A witness who must testify is owed $10 per day of attendance, paid at the time the subpoena is served. Requests about a law enforcement matter go to the Zapata County sheriff.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Zapata
ZIP code 78076 covers Zapata. Medina and Siesta Shores are the communities listed beside it.
Zapata Process Server FAQ
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. In Texas a party, or anyone interested in the outcome, may not serve process in the suit.
How soon after service can a default judgment be taken?
After proof of service has been on file ten days, not counting the filing day or the judgment day.