Texas community resource
Substitute Service Affidavit and Motion Guided Form
TexasLawHelp.org
Step-one guided interview for preparing the diligent-search affidavit and motion needed to ask a Texas court for service by posting or publication when a family-case respondent cannot be found.
Information last checked:
How to get help
Perform and document a diligent search, launch step one, complete and notarize the affidavit when required, prepare the motion and proposed order, file them in the existing case, and ask the clerk whether a signed court order is required before citation issues.
Who this service helps
A petitioner in an eligible Texas family case who cannot locate the respondent after a diligent search may use the tool; posting is generally limited to qualifying divorces without children or community property, while cases involving children or community property may require publication.
Where this service is available
Service area: People handling eligible Texas legal matters, including residents and court users in Central Texas.
A service area describes where help is offered or who may be served. It is not necessarily the organization’s physical location.
Cost / fees
The guided interview and information are free. Newspaper publication, citation, service, notary, attorney-ad-litem, filing, and legal-service costs may apply; the public guidance describes limited circumstances when newspaper publication may be avoided.
About this service
The tool helps document search efforts, select the relevant posting or publication path, and prepare the affidavit, motion, and related request for the court or clerk.
Other resources that may help
Before you contact this provider
CVF Community Connect provides resource information for public convenience. Availability, eligibility, services, hours, and other details may change. CVF Community Connect does not guarantee eligibility, availability, acceptance, or services provided by listed organizations.
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