In Columbia County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Columbia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Third Judicial Circuit. The petition asks a judge to order assessment, stabilization and, if needed, treatment for someone who has lost control of their substance use.
Filing in Columbia County
- Where to file: Columbia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
- County seat: Lake City
- Judicial circuit: Third Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Columbia County is part of Florida's Third Judicial Circuit.
In the Columbia County Clerk's office, Marchman Act cases are handled by the Circuit Court Probate / Baker / Marchman department.
The Columbia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is located at 173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City.
The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM; staff can point petitioners to the right form or department but cannot give legal advice.
Sources
How the process works
- File the petition for involuntary treatment services with the clerk. Florida law bars a filing fee.
- The judge reviews it. In an emergency the court can issue an ex parte order for law enforcement to take the person to a licensed provider.
- Assessment within 72 hours for adults (longer if detox or medical care is needed).
- Hearing within 10 court working days. The person has a right to a lawyer.
- Treatment order of up to 90 days if the petition is granted, renewable for up to 90 more, with discharge planning at the end.
Details: how to file a Marchman Act · requirements · how long it lasts
Detox and treatment near Columbia County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Gateway Community Services Inc – Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLakeview Health Systems LLC – Womans Program
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisWekiva Springs Center
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisJacksonville Outpatient Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxStepping Stone Center for Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisA specialist can help you decide between voluntary treatment and a Marchman Act petition. Free and confidential, 24/7.
Call (866) 649-0814See the full Marchman Act guide, Marchman Act vs Baker Act and treatment in Columbia County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Suwannee County
- Marchman Act in Union County
- Marchman Act in Baker County
- Marchman Act in Hamilton County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Columbia County?
Marchman Act petitions in Columbia County are filed with Columbia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Lake City. Check the clerk's official page for current forms and hours.
Who can file a Marchman Act petition?
For an adult, a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person's substance abuse impairment and prior treatment history can file. For a minor, only a parent, legal guardian or service provider can file.
Does the person get a lawyer?
Yes. The person named in the petition has a right to a lawyer at every stage, and the court can appoint one through the office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel. The person who files does not get a court-appointed lawyer.