In Maria Stein, Mercer County, a process server can deliver a summons and complaint, a subpoena for testimony or records, an eviction notice or similar court papers, ordered through the order page. The choice is Standard, Rush or 24-Hour Service, and a signed proof of service is emailed after a successful delivery. Maria Stein is a Census-designated place, an unincorporated community of 1,067 people at the 2020 Census lying within Marion Township, so it has no city or village government; Marion Township's trustees govern it.
What a Process Server Costs in Maria Stein
Standard Service costs $185, and its first attempt comes within 5 business days. Rush Service, at $225, cuts that to a first attempt within 48 hours. For $265, 24-Hour Service seeks a first attempt within 24 hours. The rates page describes that last tier as not assured, so for a Maria Stein address it hinges on submission time and server availability. Additional attempts are $25 per attempt.
Mercer County Sheriff, Bailiff or Private Server?
Clerks mail most summonses certified. Personal or residence service has to be requested in writing, and then the sheriff, a municipal-court bailiff or a court-designated server carries it out.
Who May Serve Papers in Mercer County: Clerk, Sheriff or Court-Designated Server
Hand delivery to a Maria Stein defendant in a common pleas case goes, under Civ.R. 4.1, from the clerk to the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. A municipal court sends its process to a bailiff. A court may also designate a person by order for up to a year after that person swears to the 4.1(D) list. Residence service is leaving the papers at the defendant's usual home with a suitable resident, and unserved process goes back with reasons after 28 days.
Maria Stein Courts and the Mercer County Courthouse
The Mercer County Court of Common Pleas is in the Mercer County Courthouse, 101 North Main Street, Celina, OH 45822, about 11.4 miles away. Municipal courts generally hear claims up to $15,000, small claims divisions up to $6,000. Evictions and lower-level civil cases are filed in a municipal or county court, and that court's clerk confirms coverage for a Maria Stein address.
Eviction Notices and Forcible Entry and Detainer Papers in Maria Stein
Notice First
At least three days before filing, R.C. 1923.04 requires the landlord to give written notice to leave; details are in the eviction guide.
Summons
The summons is served at least seven days before trial (R.C. 1923.06), by a method the clerk can confirm.
Subpoenas, Hospital Records and Out-of-State Subpoenas near Maria Stein
Mercer County Joint Township Community Hospital, 800 West Main Street, Coldwater, OH 45828, (419) 678-4843, is about 10.0 miles away. Grand Lake Health System in Saint Marys, (419) 394-3335, is about 11.4 miles and Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, (937) 498-5405, about 18.1. A subpoena to any of them is served by a Civ.R. 45(B) server, who files a return with the clerk. Maria Stein has no police department in the listing, so the Mercer County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Maria Stein
ZIP 45860 covers Maria Stein. Marion Township is about 2.0 miles away, Minster in Auglaize County about 5.3 and Patterson Township in Darke County about 5.8. See the Mercer County page.
Maria Stein Process Server FAQ
My certified mail was refused. Now what?
Ask the clerk in writing for ordinary-mail service under Civ.R. 4.6, or request personal service.
What must a landlord deliver before suing?
A three-day written notice to leave (R.C. 1923.04).
Can I subpoena hospital records?
Yes, but see why hospital subpoenas get rejected.