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)
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / iQoncept
