In Martin County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, in Florida's Judicial Circuit 19. 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 Martin County
- Where to file: Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Stuart
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 19
- Publicly funded services: Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
Martin County is part of Florida's Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, along with Indian River, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.
The Clerk's Stuart Courthouse office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's downloadable Marchman Act Packet includes the Petition and Affidavit Seeking Involuntary Substance Abuse Assessment and Stabilization (sworn and notarized), a statement that the person has refused treatment, and a worksheet of questions about the person and petitioner.
The Martin packet names New Horizons of the Treasure Coast in Fort Pierce as the default receiving facility, and includes an affidavit for requesting transport to a different 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 Martin County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
Coastal Detox Inc
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisBanyan Stuart
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxRemedy Therapy
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisAmethyst Recover Center LLC
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisPort Saint Lucie Hospital
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 Martin County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in St. Lucie County
- Marchman Act in Palm Beach County
- Marchman Act in Indian River County
- Marchman Act in Okeechobee County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Martin County?
Marchman Act petitions in Martin County are filed with Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in Stuart. 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.