In Walton County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, in Florida's First 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 Walton County
- Where to file: Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller
- County seat: DeFuniak Springs
- Judicial circuit: First Judicial Circuit
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
Under s. 26.021, F.S., the First Judicial Circuit is composed of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.
The Walton County Clerk's main office is at 571 U.S. Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, with a South Walton Courthouse Annex at 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach; the Clerk's site does not say which office takes Marchman Act petitions.
Walton County Clerk offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, except scheduled holidays.
The Walton Clerk accepts electronic court filings through the statewide Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and does not require paper follow-up of originals already e-filed unless a court order, statute or rule requires it.
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 Walton County
Courts order Marchman Act assessments and treatment at licensed providers. Voluntary admission is often faster and is worth trying first.
JourneyPure – Emerald Coast
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisCARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSpring Gardens Recovery
Residential / 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 Walton County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Okaloosa County
- Marchman Act in Washington County
- Marchman Act in Holmes County
- Marchman Act in Bay County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Walton County?
Marchman Act petitions in Walton County are filed with Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller in DeFuniak Springs. 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.