Texas Service Questions

Rule 103 identifies authorized servers, including sheriffs, constables, persons authorized by law or written court order, and certified process servers. Being an adult and a nonparty alone is not enough. A party or someone interested in the outcome may not serve. Certain enforcement and eviction process has additional restrictions.

Rule 106(a) addresses personal delivery and registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Under (b), a motion supported by the required sworn or penalty-of-perjury statement can seek court-authorized substituted service. The rule gives no universal attempt count.

Confirm the attempt schedule for the document and county. Availability and lawful access affect timing. Rule 6 generally prohibits Sunday process, subject to specified exceptions; urgency alone is not an exception.

A process server ensures proper execution and court-defensible documentation. Highly recommended.