Marchman Act Information

getting the ones that you love the help that they need

What is the Marchman Act?

Learn How The Marchman Act Really Works

The Marchman Act is the process created through Florida Statute 397 that helps families and friends send a loved one to treatment when they refuse to go. We recognize the law can be difficult to understand. This website is designed to help the average person looking to help someone who is impaired by substance abuse.

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The Marchman Act Guide

Learn About Whether Or Not The Marchman Act Is Right For You

What Are Some Of The Possible Timing Factors?

It should be noted that the Marchman Act relies heavily on many external factors that can hinder the speed and probability of success for the average petitioner not represented by an attorney (pro se petitioner). While a petitioner may want...

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What Are The Time Frames For The Marchman Act?

Within ten (10) days of filing an Assessment and Stabilization Marchman Act petition, a hearing must be held or a decision is made ex-parte by the court based solely on the contents of the filled assessment and stabilization petition itself....

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Is The Marchman Act Confidential?

Prior to July 1st, 2017, in many counties throughout the State of Florida, Marchman Act proceedings were deemed confidential by local administrative order. However, in some counties various legal pleadings had to be filed to request that the court protect...

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Do I Need A Lawyer?

Simply put – the answer is no. A petitioner is not required to be represented by counsel. A pro se petitioner can simply go to the clerk of court in the county where the respondent is located and seek to...

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The Marchman Act is the process created through Florida Statute 397 that helps families and friends send a loved one to treatment when they refuse to go. We recognize the law can be difficult to understand. This website is designed to help the average person looking to help someone who is impaired by substance abuse.

View all resources

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Featured Facilities

Browse Featured Treatment Facilities In Florida

Addiction Recovery Legal Service
Addiction Recovery Legal Service 888 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316 View this facility
Advent Health Deland
Advent Health Deland 701 West Plymouth Avenue Deland, FL 32720 View this facility
Ambrosia Treatment Center
Ambrosia Treatment Center 222 Picadilly Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407 View this facility
Ambrosia Treatment Center
Ambrosia Treatment Center 222 Picadilly Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407 View this facility
Ambrosia Treatment Center
Ambrosia Treatment Center 2626 Lake Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33404 View this facility
Amethyst Recover Center LLC
Amethyst Recover Center LLC 2749 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953 View this facility
Archstone Behavioral Health
Archstone Behavioral Health 501 West Perry Street Lake Worth, FL 33462 View this facility
Arete Recovery
Arete Recovery 1301 Poinciana Drive Hollywood, FL 33025 View this facility
Banyan Boca
Banyan Boca 1000 NW 15th Street Boca Raton, FL 33486 View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Banyan Health Systems 1061 West Oakland Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Advent Health Deland Deland, FL 32720 386-943-4670 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Ambrosia Treatment Center West Palm Beach, FL 33407 888-492-4619 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Ambrosia Treatment Center West Palm Beach, FL 33407 888-492-4619 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Ambrosia Treatment Center West Palm Beach, FL 33404 888-492-4619 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Amethyst Recover Center LLC Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953 772-301-1678 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Archstone Behavioral Health Lake Worth, FL 33462 561-588-8323 x2102 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Arete Recovery Hollywood, FL 33025 844-308-1235 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Banyan Boca Boca Raton, FL 33486 855-933-0890 joint View this facility
Banyan Health Systems
Banyan Health Systems Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-327-4060 joint View this facility

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions & Answers About The Marchman Act

Q: How Many Times Can The Marchman Act Be Implemented?

A: The Marchman Act can be filed as many times as necessary. However, it is required by law to begin an entirely new process for each filing. A refiling may be necessary due to the original case being closed and the...

Q: Right To Individual Dignity

A: The dignity of the individual served must be respected at all times and upon all occasions, including any occasion when the individual is admitted, retained, or transported. Individuals served who are not accused of a crime or delinquent act may...

Q: Right To Nondiscriminatory Services

A: Service providers may not deny an individual access to substance abuse services solely on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual preference, human immunodeficiency virus status, prior service departures against medical advice, disability, or number of relapse episodes. Service...

Q: Right To Quality Services

A: Each individual must be delivered services suited to his or her needs, administered skillfully, safely, humanely, with full respect for his or her dignity and personal integrity, and in accordance with all statutory and regulatory requirements. These services must include...

Q: Right To Care And Custody Of Personal Effects

A: An individual has the right to possess clothing and other personal effects. The service provider may take temporary custody of the individual’s personal effects only when required for medical or safety reasons, with the reason for taking custody and a...

Q: Right To Education Of Minors

A: Each minor in a residential service component is guaranteed education and training appropriate to his or her needs. The service provider shall coordinate with local education agencies to ensure that education and training is provided to each minor in accordance...

Q: Right To Confidentiality Of Individual Records

A: The records of service providers which pertain to the identity, diagnosis, and prognosis of and service provision to any individual are confidential in accordance with this chapter and with applicable federal confidentiality regulations and are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and...

Q: Right To Counsel

A: Each individual must be informed that he or she has the right to be represented by counsel in any involuntary proceeding for assessment, stabilization, or treatment and that he or she, or if the individual is a minor his or...

Q: Right To Habeas Corpus

A: At any time, and without notice, an individual involuntarily retained by a provider, or the individual’s parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney on behalf of the individual, may petition for a writ of habeas corpus to question the cause and legality...

Q: Liability And Immunity

A: Service provider personnel who violate or abuse any right or privilege of an individual under this chapter are liable for damages as determined by law. All persons acting in good faith, reasonably, and without negligence in connection with the preparation...

Q: Where Do I Need To File My Services Petition?

A: The Petition must be filed in the County where the respondent is physically located. Residency is NOT a requirement. If the person upon whose behalf the petition is being filed is an adult, a petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization...

Q: What Information Do I Need For The Services Petition?

A: A petition for involuntary services must contain the name of the respondent to be admitted; the name of the petitioner or petitioners; the relationship between the respondent and the petitioner; the name of the respondent’s attorney, if known, the findings...

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