Preparing Documents for a Process Server in Texas

Many delays in civil cases come from a simple problem: the packet sent to the process server is incomplete or disorganized. The court may have issued everything correctly — but if the server doesn’t get what they need, your case slows down.

This guide shows you how to prepare a clean, complete service packet so your Texas process server can move quickly and accurately.

Section 1 — The Minimum Documents a Server Needs

Most civil serves require at least:

• The court-issued citation
• The petition or complaint

Without the citation, the server usually cannot legally complete service.

Section 2 — Additional Documents Often Included

Depending on your case, your packet may also include:

• Standing orders (family law cases in some counties)
• Temporary orders
• Restraining orders (where allowed and applicable)
• Notices of hearing
• Subpoenas for records or testimony

The server doesn’t decide what to include — you or your attorney do. But everything that must be served should be in the same packet.

Section 3 — How to Organize the Packet

To keep things simple and professional:

• Put the citation on top
• Place the petition next
• Group any orders and attachments behind those
• Clearly label any documents that are for the court only (not for the defendant)

If you are sending electronically, send a single, clean PDF for each defendant when possible.

Section 4 — Information About the Person to Be Served

A server can only work with what they are given. Help them by providing:

• Full legal name (and any known aliases)
• Best residential address
• Workplace address (if known)
• Basic schedule or patterns (night shift, day shift, weekends)
• Whether they live in a gated community or secure apartment
• Phone number or email (if appropriate to share)

You do not have to know everything. Just provide the best information you have.

Section 5 — Special Situations (Inmates, Businesses, Government)

For special types of service:

Inmate Service

• Inmate’s full name
• TDCJ number or inmate number (if known)
• Last known unit or facility

Business or LLC Service

• Exact legal business name
• Registered agent name and address (if available)
• Physical business address

Government or Agencies

• Correct name of the office or agency
• Physical address for legal documents

Section 6 — Timing & Deadlines

When you hand the packet to a process server, be clear about:

• Any court-imposed deadline
• Hearing dates already scheduled
• Whether you need rush or same-day service

Good servers can adjust their attempts based on how urgent the case really is.

Section 7 — Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending an incomplete packet (missing citation or orders).
• Using a very old address without warning the server it may be outdated.
• Not sharing workplace info when you know it.
• Waiting until the last minute to request service.

Section 8 — Clear Next Steps

To get the most out of your Texas process server:

• Gather a complete, organized packet for each defendant
• Provide accurate addresses and schedule info
• Share any special circumstances (gated community, night shift, inmate, business, etc.)