In Highlands County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court, in Florida's Tenth 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 Highlands County
- Where to file: Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Sebring
- Judicial circuit: Tenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
Highlands County is in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, along with Hardee and Polk counties.
The Clerk advises bringing a completed petition in the early morning if you want it heard that working day.
The Clerk posts a Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization and a Marchman Act packet on its Marchman Act page.
In extreme cases the judge may issue an ex parte order to have the person picked up and assessed instead of holding a hearing first; otherwise the petitioner is mailed a hearing date and must attend and testify.
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 Highlands County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Banyan Sebring
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTri County Human Services Inc – Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisValiant Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisPort Charlotte Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxCharlotte Behavioral Healthcare Inc
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 Highlands County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Hardee County
- Marchman Act in DeSoto County
- Marchman Act in Okeechobee County
- Marchman Act in Glades County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Highlands County?
Marchman Act petitions in Highlands County are filed with Highlands County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Sebring. 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.