How many attempts will a process server make in Texas?

Asked by: Dr. Breana Keeling MD  |  Last update: July 7, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (73 votes)

Regardless of what service level you may choose, the process server will make up to three (3) attempts to deliver the paperwork, regardless of the service level our clients may choose (Routine or Rush.) These three attempts will be made in the morning, afternoon, and evening for every service level.

How many times can a process server come to your house in Texas?

There is no limit to the number of attempts the process server can make. As a matter of practicality, they will usually give up if they can't serve the person after three attempts, but nothing would prevent further attempts if they chose to do so.

What happens if a server can't find you in Texas?

If you cannot find the Defendant, there are other options. In Texas, you may file a Motion for Substitute Service, aka Motion for Alternate Service. Before you file this motion, you must prove to the court that you have attempted to serve the Defendant at his usual place of above (home) or employment (work).

How many attempts do you have to serve?

Subsequent Attempts: Most process servers are committed to making several attempts, usually spanning different times of the day and week, to accommodate the surprise factor essential in process serving. The industry standard is around 3-4 attempts, allowing for adapting to the needs of each specific case.

What happens if a process server never serves you?

When you never get served court papers, the assigned process server can try again next time or seek other ways to deliver the documents. Although it is not illegal to avoid these papers, you still face some consequences that will affect the outcome of the case against you.

How Many Times Can a Process Server Attempt Service?

15 related questions found

What happens if a server can't find you?

A Simple Answer to “What Happens if a Process Server Can't Serve You?” The simple answer to your question is that the court continues without you. Evidence is brought forth without a rebuttal or defense from you and a judgment is issued.

What happens if you avoid being served court papers in Texas?

Avoiding a process server does not mean you cannot be sued. The victim can petition the court to serve the defendant through publication or alternate methods. Avoiding service is only delaying what will eventually happen.

Can you be served twice?

If a person is acquitted of a crime or is found guilty and serves their time, they cannot be charged again with the same crime in the future. The State is unable to continue to pursue a person relentlessly because of the double jeopardy doctrine.

How many chances does the server have to get their serve in?

The serve starts a point in tennis; the good news is that you get two chances to put the ball in play.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

What are the process server laws in Texas?

a) A Process Server must provide an accurate return of service, or report of service, as to all documents served. b) A Process Server must not sign, submit, or file any document which is false or misleading. c) A Process Server must be candid and truthful concerning all process service matters.

Can a process server leave papers with someone else in Texas?

Process Serving through Substituted Service

Substituted service simply means the server may leave papers with a substitute, whether it be a trustworthy adult, a relative or co-worker, or someone else over the age of 18 at the same household, same house, or same workplace.

What happens if a process server can't find you in Texas?

If a process server cannot find you, they will generally file what's called a "nondelivery affidavit" with the court. This is a document in which the process server swears that they attempted to deliver the documents to you, but were unable to do so. The court may then take various actions depending on the situation.

How do you legally avoid a process server?

You Can Try to Hide, but You Can't Evade Service of Process

Although any legal action can't move forward until the service of process is made, avoiding process servers can be a pretty big waste of time and effort.

Will a process server come every day?

A process server can deliver at any time, day or night — including weekends.

Can someone be served over the phone?

Serving a subpoena over the phone is not a standard or common practice in legal proceedings. Subpoenas are generally served in person, by process servers, or through a certified mail. The exact method used in a case depends on the jurisdiction and the rules of the court hearing the case.

What is the double bounce rule?

Double-Bounce Rule

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces.

On what side of the court does the server start serving from at the beginning of every game?

Serve Sequence Rules

For the team that starts the game, only one person gets to serve. The server always starts in the right-hand court and must serve crosscourt (to the backcourt diagonally opposite and beyond the non-volley zone line).

What happens if you don't answer the door to a process server?

Process servers typically follow specific protocols when no one answers the door. Usually, they'll make multiple attempts at different times and days to reach you at home. Their efforts may include visiting during evenings or weekends to ensure a higher chance of serving the court documents via personal service.

How many times can you be garnished for the same debt?

The short answer is no, you should not have your wages garnished for the same thing twice.

Can you serve a defendant twice?

There is no law saying that a party could not be served a summons twice. The date of service would be from the last date the person was served, since that is the most recent service. The date the attorney sent in the acknowledgement is not a date of service.

How many times will a process server try to serve you in Texas?

Understanding the specific rules of local law and laws related is imperative. Most process servers have their ways of serving legal documents, but according to the law, there are no limits to the number of times process servers can attempt to serve papers.

Why do people avoid process servers?

People that attempt to avoid the process usually think that personal service is required to commence an action against them. This couldn't be farther from the truth. In almost all cases, there is a way to proceed with actions even if personal service never occurs.

How do process servers find you?

Process servers use all information available to pinpoint the location of individuals or businesses, using databases, web and social media searches, known associate interviews, and more to find people.