The Marchman Act in Palm Beach County

What it is

The Marchman Act is a Florida law that allows voluntary and involuntary assessment, stabilization and treatment for a person with a substance use problem. The Palm Beach County Clerk says a petition may be filed when there is a good faith reason to believe a person is impaired by substance use and has lost the power of self-control over it.

Who can file

For an adult, Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network says a petition may be filed by:

• A spouse, guardian or any relative.
• A private practitioner.
• A director of a licensed provider, or a designee.
• Any three adults with personal knowledge of the person’s substance use.

For a minor, it can be a parent, a legal guardian or custodian, or a licensed service provider.

How it works

• You go to the Clerk’s office in person to complete a sworn petition. Arrive by 4:30pm.
• The clerk opens a case, and a hearing is set within 10 days.
• The person is served with the petition and a notice of the hearing by the Sheriff’s Office.
• If the court orders it, a facility assesses and stabilizes the person for up to 5 days.
• A written assessment goes to the court. If the person meets the criteria, a treatment hearing follows within 10 days.
• The court may order involuntary treatment for up to 60 days.

Rules can change and every case is different. Call the Clerk’s Unified Family Court team at 561-355-6511 before you go, and consider talking to a lawyer.