In Indian River County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Nineteenth 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 Indian River County
- Where to file: Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Vero Beach
- Judicial circuit: Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
Indian River County is in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, with Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.
The Clerk posts the Nineteenth Circuit's Petition and Affidavit for Involuntary Treatment Services; the petitioner's signature can be verified by a notary or by the Clerk, and a photo of the respondent should be attached if possible.
The petition form lets petitioners describe exigent circumstances to request an ex parte order for assessment and stabilization, under which law enforcement may take the person to a hospital or licensed facility.
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 Indian River County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Mental Detox Counseling Services
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAdvanced Medical - Center for Pain Relief, Detoxification and Psychiatry
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisLive Oak Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxNew Horizons of the Treasure Coast – Detox
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAgape Detox Center Florida Alcohol & Drug Rehab
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxA 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 Indian River County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in St. Lucie County
- Marchman Act in Okeechobee County
- Marchman Act in Martin County
- Marchman Act in Brevard County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Indian River County?
Marchman Act petitions in Indian River County are filed with Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Vero Beach. 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.