The Texas Supreme Court recently announced that it will allow service of process in civil cases through social media or email if the usual methods of serving in-person or through the mail fail.
The proposed amendments to Rule 106 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure were approved by the Court on August 21. A plaintiff can now serve a defendant “electronically by social media, email, or other technology.”
The other methods of services are permitted when face-to-face “personal service” or “substituted service” through certified or registered mail is unsuccessful.
“In determining whether to permit electronic service of process, a court should consider whether the technology actually belongs to the defendant and whether the defendant regularly uses or recently used the technology,” the four-page order states.
The amendments will take effect on Dec. 31.
Additional Resources
Texas Supreme Court OKs Service of Process Through Social Media, Email, Courthouse News Service (August 24, 2020)
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