In Washington County, a Marchman Act petition for involuntary substance abuse services is filed with Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (Mental Health Department), in Florida's Judicial Circuit 14. 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 Washington County
- Where to file: Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (Mental Health Department) (official Marchman Act information)
- County seat: Chipley
- Judicial circuit: Judicial Circuit 14
- Publicly funded services: Northwest Florida Health Network
The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time, and the Clerk strongly recommends filing during morning business hours so the court has time to review the request.
The Washington County Clerk states there is no fee to file a Marchman Act petition, and mental health cases are kept confidential.
The Clerk posts a Marchman Act petition form that must be sworn and notarized, or sworn before the Clerk or a deputy clerk.
The Clerk's Marchman Act petition is captioned in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Washington County.
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 Washington 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 diagnosisCARE Detox Unit
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxTwelve Oaks Recovery
Hospital / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisGulf Breeze Recovery
Residential / inpatientMedical detoxDual diagnosisSMA Healthcare – Outpatient Ocala/Beacon Point
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 Washington County. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Neighboring counties
- Marchman Act in Holmes County
- Marchman Act in Walton County
- Marchman Act in Bay County
- Marchman Act in Jackson County
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file a Marchman Act in Washington County?
Marchman Act petitions in Washington County are filed with Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (Mental Health Department) in Chipley. 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.