Decatur Township, in Washington County, sits 18.6 miles from the courthouse in Marietta, and a process server can still deliver its summonses, subpoenas, eviction notices and other court papers ordered at the order page. You pick Standard, Rush or 24-Hour, and once a delivery goes through the signed proof of service is sent to your email.
What a Process Server Costs in Decatur Township
At that distance from the county seat, patience is cheaper than speed. Choosing Standard Service ($185) means a first attempt within 5 business days, and choosing Rush Service ($225) means one within 48 hours. 24-Hour Service ($265) aims for one within 24 hours, and the rates page does not promise it outside the large metro areas it names. A new attempt after a failed delivery costs $25 per attempt; see rates.
Washington County Sheriff, Bailiff or Private Server?
Clerks mail summonses by certified mail. Hand delivery by the sheriff, a bailiff or a court-named server follows only a written plaintiff request.
Who May Serve Papers in Washington County: Clerk, Sheriff or Designated Server
A person named by court order under Civ.R. 4.1(E) serves for up to one year and, per 4.1(D), must be familiar with service procedure and conduct himself or herself professionally. The sheriff and the municipal bailiff need no such order.
Decatur Township Courts and the Washington County Courthouse
The Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta, is where Common Pleas sits, 18.6 miles in a straight line from the township. Anything smaller, like a small claims case or an eviction, is for a municipal or county court that the filing clerk can identify.
Eviction Notices and Forcible Entry and Detainer Papers in Decatur Township
A tenant facing eviction should have received a written notice to leave three or more days before the filing (R.C. 1923.04), and the summons should reach the tenant a week or more before trial (R.C. 1923.06). The eviction guide explains what the notice says.
Subpoenas, Hospital Records and Out-of-State Subpoenas near Decatur Township
Ohiohealth O'Bleness Hospital, 55 Hospital Drive, Athens, (740) 593-5551, is 18.1 miles away. Marietta Memorial Hospital, 401 Matthew Street, Marietta, (740) 374-1400, is 18.6 miles away, and Selby General Hospital, 1106 Colegate Drive, Marietta, (740) 568-2000, 19.8 miles. Civ.R. 45(B) governs who may serve the subpoena.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Decatur Township
ZIPs 45724 and 45742 apply. Fairfield Township (5.6 miles), Belpre Township (6.4) and Dunham Township (8.0) are in Washington County; Troy Township (5.9) and Rome Township (7.1) are in Athens County.
Decatur Township Process Server FAQ
How long do I have to get the defendant served after filing?
Six months from the complaint (Civ.R. 4(E)); a plaintiff who misses it needs good cause.
Can I serve a subpoena on an out-of-state witness?
R.C. 2319.09: submit the foreign subpoena to the clerk of the Ohio county where discovery is sought.
Who can personally serve a summons in Ohio, and what is a court-designated process server?
The sheriff, a municipal bailiff, or a person named in a court order after an application and oath.