Marchman Act (Adult)
A Marchman Act Petition is a civil procedure that allows a spouse, relative, legal guardian, friend, sheriff, or
treatment center representative who is concerned about a person's behavior to petition the court and seek help
for an individual suspected of having a substance abuse problem. The Marchman Act provides the means for an
individual in need of substance abuse services (assessment and/or treatment) to receive emergency services and
temporary placement for evaluation while treatment modality is explored on either on a voluntary or involuntary
basis.
Marchman cases, whether adult or juvenile, are heard by a General Magistrates. General Magistrates are judicial
officers with limited authority to administer and enforce the law. Although the intent of the Marchman Petition is
to seek and obtain services for substance use, under the Marchman Act if the individual refuses to comply with the
court order the individual can be held in contempt, which may include being held in detention facility. Marchman act
cases are not criminal proceedings.
For information on how to file a Marchman act case, form pleadings, and contact information please see the resources
below.
*If you are seeking substance abuse services for a Juvenile
(under 18) please visit the Unified Childrens Court web page here.
Resources
Marchman
Instructions Packet
This packet includes an overview of the Marchman act process and instructions for filling out the petition for
involuntary services.
Notice of Related
cases
This notice must be filled out and filed along with the Petition for Involuntary Services. In it you must notify
the court of any other court
cases you are aware of involving the respondent or yourself.
Marchman Contact Sheet
This sheet contains contact information for the court, clerk of court, and Marchman assessment and treatment
providers.
Marchman Contempt Hearing
Request
If you believe that an individual who has been ordered to receive treatment is violating their treatment order
(using drugs or alcohol, failing to attend treatment etc.) this form can be used to request a contempt hearing
before the Magistrate. This form must be filed with the clerk of court in the same manner as the petitions
above.
Further assistance
If you have read the materials above and have further questions regarding the Marchman act you may
- refer to the resource center here.
- For questions about how to file your pleadings or schedule a hearing, contact the clerk of court Mental
health section at (305) 349-7475.
- Send your questions by email Marchmaninfo@Jud11.flcourts.org (please allow 2-3 business days for a
response).
- For additional hearing information for Adult Marchman cases please visit the General Magistrate's page
here.
- For additional hearing information for Juvenile Marchman cases please visit the General Magistrate's
page here.