Harris Texas Sample Letter for Summons by Publication — Hand Delivered If you are seeking information on how to issue a summons by publication in Harris County, Texas, you may find this sample letter useful. This particular type of summons is known as a "Summons by Publication — Hand Delivered." In certain situations where the defendant cannot be located or does not respond to traditional methods of service, the court may allow the serving party to publish the summons notice in a local newspaper and hand deliver a copy to the defendant's known residence or place of business. Below is a detailed description of the content typically included in a Harris Texas Sample Letter for Summons by Publication — Hand Delivered: 1. Heading: Begin the letter with the heading that includes the court's name, address, phone number, and other relevant contact information. It is crucial to provide accurate and up-to-date court details for effective communication. 2. Case Information: Clearly state the case number and the court where the case is filed. Include the plaintiff's name and contact information, along with the defendant's name and, if available, their last known address. 3. Purpose: Explain that the purpose of the letter is to serve as a notice of the legal action against the defendant, who has been unresponsive or cannot be located for traditional service methods. Emphasize that the court has authorized summons by publication as an alternative means of service. 4. Summons Detail: Provide a detailed description of what a summons is and its significance in legal proceedings. Describe that it is an official court document that informs the defendant about the legal action filed against them and their rights and obligations. 5. Publication Notice: Explain that the summons notice will be published in a local newspaper designated by the court. Mention the newspaper's name, publication dates, and specific sections where the notice will appear. Include the requirement that the defendant needs to respond within a certain period after the last publication date. 6. Hand Delivery Information: In this section, provide clear instructions on how to properly deliver a copy of the summons notice to the defendant's known residence or place of business. Include the date, time, and location where the hand delivery will take place. Stress the importance of keeping a record of the hand delivery, such as obtaining a signed acknowledgement of receipt. 7. Certificate of Service: Explain the requirement of submitting a certificate of service upon completion of both the publication and hand delivery. Provide instructions on how to file this document with the court, including the specific documentation that needs to be included. Different types of Harris Texas Sample Letter for Summons by Publication — Hand Delivered may vary based on the court's specific requirements or case circumstances. Some variations may include additional instructions, language for bilingual or non-English speakers, or specific formatting guidelines. It is essential to consult with an attorney or legal professional to ensure the accuracy and compliance of the summons by publication process as it is a crucial step in ensuring due process and the defendant's right to be notified of the legal proceedings against them.