Can papers be served on a Sunday in Texas?
Updated October 15, 2026 · General information, not legal advice. Rules quoted from the official Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; confirm current text and local requirements with the court.
Short answer: in most Texas civil cases, no. Process servers and constables plan weekend attempts for Saturday because Sunday service is generally prohibited by rule.
The rule: TRCP 6
"No civil suit shall be commenced nor process issued or served on Sunday, except in cases of injunction, attachment, garnishment, sequestration, or distress proceedings; provided that citation by publication published on Sunday shall be valid."
- Covered: ordinary civil citations, including lawsuits for debt, contract, injury, and divorce.
- Exceptions: injunction, attachment, garnishment, sequestration and distress proceedings.
- Publication: a citation by publication that runs in a Sunday newspaper is valid. See our publication calculator.
Justice court and evictions
- Small claims and debt claims: "A citation cannot be served on a Sunday except in attachment, garnishment, sequestration, or distress proceedings" (Rule 501.2(d)). See serving a small claims case.
- Evictions: "A citation cannot be served on a Sunday" (Rule 510.8(d)(4)), with no listed exceptions. See eviction citation service.
What about Saturdays and holidays?
The Rules of Civil Procedure discussed here single out Sunday; they do not contain a similar prohibition for Saturday. Holidays do matter for deadlines: for example, a justice court answer due on "a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday" moves to the next day that is not one (Rule 502.5(d)). Use our answer deadline calculator for district and county court dates. If you are unsure whether a particular day works in your case, ask the court or an attorney.
Practical tips
- If someone is only home on weekends, schedule Saturday and weekday evening attempts. Documented attempts support a Rule 106(b) motion if needed.
- A return showing a Sunday service date in an ordinary case invites a challenge. Check the date before filing; see the return of service checklist.
- Find a certified process server in your county who offers Saturday attempts, or estimate costs with the cost estimator.
Quick answers
Can you be served on a Sunday in Texas?
Generally no. Rule 6: "No civil suit shall be commenced nor process issued or served on Sunday, except in cases of injunction, attachment, garnishment, sequestration, or distress proceedings."
Can papers be served on Saturday in Texas?
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure prohibit Sunday service (Rules 6 and 501.2(d)); they contain no similar ban on Saturday service, so Saturday is a common day for attempts.
Can an eviction citation be served on a Sunday?
No. Rule 510.8(d)(4): "A citation cannot be served on a Sunday."
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Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice, and TX Server Finder is not a law firm. Rules and fees change; check the official sources below and consult a Texas attorney about your situation.