Richland Township in Belmont County is only 1.2 miles from the courthouse in Saint Clairsville and runs its own township police department, and a process server can deliver summonses and complaints, subpoenas, eviction notices and other court papers there after an online order. Orders can be placed at three speeds, Standard Service, Rush Service or 24-Hour Service, with the signed proof of service delivered to your inbox after a successful delivery.
What a Process Server Costs in Richland Township
Money first, then time. Standard Service costs $185 and the first attempt happens within 5 business days; Rush Service costs $225 and the first attempt happens within 48 hours; 24-Hour Service costs $265 and a first attempt within 24 hours is the goal but not a promise, as it depends on when the order lands and on server availability in the area. An additional attempt after an unsuccessful delivery costs $25. See the rates page.
Belmont County Sheriff, Bailiff or Private Server?
The clerk mails most summonses certified. If the plaintiff files a written request for personal or residence service, the papers go to the sheriff, a municipal bailiff or a court-designated server.
Who May Serve Papers in Belmont County: Clerk Mail, Sheriff, Bailiff or Court-Designated Server
Ohio's Civil Rule 4.1 is the reason a summons here usually arrives by mail rather than in a stranger's hand. The clerk sends it certified or express and files the signed receipt. A written request for in-person delivery is what changes that, and then the sheriff, a municipal bailiff or a court-designated person serves. A designation, good for up to a year, follows an oath covering age, independence, status, ID and record. If day 28 arrives and nothing is served, the papers return to the clerk with reasons.
Richland Township Courts and the Belmont County Courthouse
Richland Township is governed by trustees; it has no municipal court. The Belmont County Courthouse, 101 West Main Street, Saint Clairsville, OH 43950, seat of the Court of Common Pleas, is about 1.2 miles away. Lower-level civil, small claims and eviction cases are heard in a municipal or county court, and the clerk of the court where a case is filed can confirm which one covers an address. Municipal courts generally hear claims up to $15,000, and small claims up to $6,000.
Eviction Notices and Forcible Entry and Detainer Papers in Richland Township
Pre-filing notice
A landlord's written notice to leave must be given at least three days before filing, by certified mail, hand delivery or a copy left at the home or premises. The eviction notice guide covers wording.
Summons
It must be served at least seven days before trial.
Subpoenas, Hospital Records and Out-of-State Subpoenas near Richland Township
Civil Rule 45(B) permits service of a subpoena by a sheriff, bailiff, coroner, clerk, constable, one of their deputies, an attorney or a court-designated person, using delivery, reading, leaving at the usual residence or return-receipt mail, tendering the fees allowed by law. A return is filed. If the subpoena only asks for documents, the recipient may serve written objections within 14 days.
Richland Township Police Department, 66565 Warnock St Clairsville Road, Saint Clairsville, OH 43950, (740) 695-9543, is listed in a federal directory; confirm with the department before sending a records subpoena. Hospitals in the listing: East Ohio Regional Hospital, 90 North Fourth Street, Martins Ferry, (740) 633-1100, 10.3 miles; Harrison Community Hospital, 951 East Market Street, Cadiz, (740) 942-8625, 13.8 miles; Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc, 639 West Main Street, Barnesville, (740) 425-3941, 15.6 miles. Out-of-state witnesses fall under the UIDDA guide.
ZIP Codes and Neighboring Communities Around Richland Township
Three ZIP codes serve the township: 43928, 43950 and 43972. Neighbors: Colerain Township, Wheeling Township, Smith Township, Pultney Township, Pease Township and Union Township. See the Belmont County page.
Richland Township Process Server FAQ
How do I serve a township?
Rule 4.2 supplies the answer for townships: trustee, township clerk or county prosecutor.
What if I cannot find the defendant?
Rule 4.4 publication, with an affidavit, once a week for six weeks.
What does a landlord have to hand over before filing an eviction?
Under R.C. 1923.04, written notice to leave, delivered three days or more before the case is filed.