In Hamilton County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Hamilton County Clerk of Circuit Court, 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 Hamilton County
- Where to file: Hamilton County Clerk of Circuit Court
- County seat: Jasper
- Judicial circuit: Third Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Lutheran Services Florida
Hamilton County is in the Third Judicial Circuit, with Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
The current s. 26.021, F.S., confirms the Third Judicial Circuit is composed of Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties.
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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Suwannee County
- Marchman Act in Madison County
- Marchman Act in Lafayette County
- Marchman Act in Columbia County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Hamilton County?
Marchman Act petitions in Hamilton County are filed with Hamilton County Clerk of Circuit Court in Jasper. 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.