Rule 111.Citation by Publication in Action Against Unknown Heirs or Stockholders of Defunct Corporations
Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 111 lets a plaintiff cite unknown heirs or the stockholders of a defunct corporation by publication, on a sworn statement that their names are unknown, using a class designation.
Full Text of Rule 111
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If the plaintiff, his agent, or attorney, shall make oath that the names of the heirs or stockholders against whom an action is authorized by Section 17.004, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, are unknown to the affiant, the clerk shall issue a citation for service by publication. Such citation shall be addressed to the defendants by a concise description of their classification, as "the Unknown Heirs of A.B., deceased," or "Unknown Stockholders of _________________ Corporation," as the case may be, and shall contain the other requisites prescribed in Rules 114 and 115 and shall be served as provided by Rule 116.
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Plain-English Summary
Rule 111 handles suits against people who can be described only as a group. When the plaintiff swears that the names of the heirs or the stockholders of a defunct corporation — against whom an action is authorized by Section 17.004 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code — are unknown, the clerk issues citation by publication. The citation is addressed to them by a concise class description, such as “the Unknown Heirs of A.B., deceased,” and otherwise follows Rules 114 and 115 and is served under Rule 116.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sue unknown heirs in Texas?
Under Rule 111, by citation by publication addressed to a class — like “the Unknown Heirs of A.B., deceased” — after a sworn statement that their names are unknown, in actions authorized by Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 17.004.
What must the citation contain when suing unknown heirs under Rule 111?
Beyond the class description, it carries the same requisites as any other citation by publication under Rules 114 and 115, and is served the way Rule 116 requires.
Can Rule 111 be used against unknown stockholders of any dissolved company?
Only in the actions Section 17.004 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code authorizes — suits naming unknown heirs or the stockholders of a defunct corporation. Rule 111 supplies the publication mechanics for those specific statutory suits.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 111), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:unknown heirsstockholders of defunct corporationcitation by publicationclass designationTRCP 111