Texas - General

Personal Service Only TX State Image

Documents must be served directly to the named defendant. You will see a reminder of this rule that reads "Personal service only".

When performing Personal Service, the subject must be at least 16 years of age or older. 

Substitute service to a co-resident and posting service is only allowed after requesting and receiving a direct order from a judge. This is known as Alternative Service, or service under rule 106/501

No Sunday Service or Attempts

You are not allowed to serve, attempt service, or contact a party listed for service on a Sunday.

Original Documents

Certain counties may require service of original documents. Originals must be handled and attempted with great care, as losing or serving them to the wrong person can result in penalties from the court. In the event that service cannot be completed these documents must be returned to ABC Legal. These documents will be mailed to you.

Purple Paint - No Trespassing

The Texas Penal Code Section 30.05: Criminal Trespass, allows for people to use purple paint on fence posts as a method of saying entrance is not allowed. In essence this acts the same as a No Trespassing sign.

Yellow Cards

Many of your cover sheets will read, “**Deliver Yellow Card separate from the documents at the time of service.” These orders originate from one of our clients: Scott and Associates. One of these Yellow Cards must be included with each of their orders. (Continue below)

Coversheet Scott and Associates

Print the Image Below

Save the image below and print it on a yellow sheet of paper, then deliver just one of these cards with every order that has the instruction: "Deliver Yellow Card".

This image was last updated July 30th, 2020, if you have a previous version, please discard it and use the most updated version.

TX Scott and Associates Yellow Card

Returns 

The following information is required from you on all signed Returns (aka Proofs):  

  • First and last name 
  • Date of birth 
  • Address 
  • The county where the return was completed  

Per rule 107e in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the above information must be included and may not be removed.  

 

Returns