SERVICE OF PROCESS: WHAT ARE
THE NEW RULES FOR TEXAS IN 2021?
The Supreme Court of the State of Texas ordered certain amendments take effect on January 1, 2021. Here is our list of the amendments we located that relate to the service of process. Please feel free to click on the pic for a direct link to the court’s redline.
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
Service of Process 2021
By Order dated December 23, 2020, the following language is to be added to all citations, effective January 1, 2021:
RULE 99
Issuance and Form of Citation
“In addition to filing a written answer with the clerk, you may be required to make initial disclosures to the other parties of this suit. These disclosures generally must be made no later than 30 days after you file your answer with
the clerk. Find out more at TexasLawHelp.org.”
By Order dated August 21, 2020, the following TRCP Rules were revised and last amended on January 1, 2021:
RULE 106
Method of Service
Permits service through
social media upon order of the court.
RULE 108a
Service of Process in Foreign Countries
Service in a foreign country is authorized as prescribed by the foreign country’s law.
By Order dated December 23, 2020, the following TRCP Rule was revised and last amended on January 1, 2021:
RULE 192.2
Timing and Sequence of Discovery
“(a) Timing. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or ordered by the court, a party cannot serve discovery on another party until after the other party’s initial disclosures are due.”
“(b) Sequence. The permissible forms of discovery may be combined in the same document and may be taken in any order or sequence.”
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
Service of Process 2021
Effective July 1, 2020, the following Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Sections were updated:
SEC. 17.032
Citation by Publication
As required by Section 72.034 of the Government Code, the office shall develop and maintain a public information Internet website that allows a person to easily publish public information on the Internet website or the office to post public information on the Internet website on receipt from the person.
Read Details Here: 
SEC. 17.033
Substituted Service
Through Social Media Presence
Service through social media is
authorized upon order.
Rules Affected by Changes
Service of Process 2021
RULE 109a
Other Substituted Service
RULE 110
Effect of Rules on Other Statutes
RULE 111
Citation by Publication in Action Against Unknown Heirs or Stockholders of Defunct Corporations
RULE 112
Parties to Action Against Unknown Owners or Claimants of Interest in Land
RULE 113
Citation by Publication in Actions Against Unknown Owners or Claimants Of Interest In Land
RULE 114
Citation by Publication; Requisites
RULE 115
Form of Published Citation in Actions Involving Land
RULE 116.
Service of Citation by Publication
RULE 117.
Return of Citation by Publication
RULE 117a.
Citation in Suits for Delinquent Ad Valorem Taxes
RULE 118.
Amendment
RULE 119.
Acceptance of Service
ANCHOR ADMINISTRATIVE LEGAL SUPPORT, LLC
Kelly Foland, Certified Paralegal (UTSA 2004)
P.O. Box 34833
San Antonio, TX 78265
Phone: (210) 482-0278
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.anchorlegalsupport.com
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