Serve small claims papers in Texas — justice court citations, done fast

Small claims in Texas, in plain English

Texas small claims cases are heard in the justice courts — each county has several justice-of-the-peace precincts. They handle small claims, debt claims, repair-and-remedy cases and evictions. The rules for these courts are in Part V of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules 500–510), and they're written to be usable without a lawyer.

After you file, the court issues a citation. Under Rule 501.2, it can be served by a sheriff or constable, by a process server certified by the Supreme Court (that's us — JBCC PSC-30288), by the clerk through certified mail, or by someone the court authorizes. The person serving can't be a party or have an interest in the case.

Why people choose a certified server over mail

• Certified mail fails quietly. If the defendant refuses the envelope or never picks it up, you've lost weeks and you still need personal service.
• Speed. Rush service puts the first attempt within 24–48 hours; same-day is available when your request is in and paid by 1:00 PM CT.
• Proof you can see. Every attempt is GPS-stamped and photographed on a live tracking page — no wondering whether anyone actually went.
• A return that holds up. Our affidavit includes everything Rule 107 requires: who, where, when, how, and our certification number and expiration date.

The 14-day answer clock

In justice court, a defendant generally has until the end of the 14th day after the day they were served to file an answer (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.5). If they don't, you may be able to ask for a default judgment — but only if service was proper and the return is on file. That's why the exact date and time on our affidavit matter.

What it costs

Inside those four counties travel is included — no mileage, wherever the address is. Outside them: Collin rates plus $15 for each additional 5 miles beyond 20 miles from our North Plano base, confirmed in writing before we accept. Every tier includes up to three attempts, GPS + photo on each one, a live tracking link and a court-ready affidavit of service.

Justice court citations are priced exactly like any other citation — no surprise "small claims" surcharge. If the person has agreed to meet us, serve by appointment is $60 flat.

Payment-first, no surprises: a human reviews every request before anything happens. Once it's approved you get a secure pay link — nothing starts until it's paid, and nothing is ever charged if we can't take the job. No invoicing, no payment plans.

What about evictions?

Evictions are also justice court cases, but they have their own rule: eviction citations are served by a constable or sheriff unless the court signs an order authorizing someone else (Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.4). If your court authorizes a private server, we'll serve it at regular county pricing. Before the suit, landlords need a notice to vacate delivered properly — we do that for $65, or less with a prepaid pack.

Tips that save an attempt

• Give us a recent photo — social media screenshots are fine.
• Tell us their vehicle and plate; a plate in the driveway tells us they're home before we knock.
• If they leave early for work, add the early-bird attempt (6:00–7:30 AM, +$35).
• Workplace serves are often the fastest and calmest — share the employer and hours if you know them.

Questions people ask

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