Alachua County  Alcohol and Other Drug Services

Marchman Act Addiction Treatment in Alachua County, Florida

The Marchman Act is a piece of Florida legislation that provides families with a solution for helping their loved ones who may be struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Primarily, the Marchman Act in Florida enables families to petition a court for mandatory assessment and treatment.

This crucial tool comes in handy when the person dealing with addiction does not recognize the severity of their condition or denies needing help. This can be a life-saving step for the individual concerned, and a necessary measure for protecting them and those around them.

In Alachua County, the Florida Marchman Act procedure involves petitioning the court in the county where the individual lives. This includes cities such as:

• Gainesville

• Alachua

• Archer

• Hawthorne

• High Springs

• Newberry

• Waldo

• La Crosse

• Micanopy

• Evinston

The court reviews the evidence at hand. This can include sworn affidavits to document repeated, daily, or weekly substance abuse. Additionally, it may include testimonies from eyes who have personally observed the individual’s drug or alcohol addiction.

Once the court deems that the person meets the criteria for substance abuse defined by the Marchman Act, (in danger of harming themselves or others and incapable of making a rational decision regarding their care), the court will then order an assessment of the person’s condition. Following this, the court will mandate treatment for the person based on the findings from the assessment. This treatment can range from detox to residential or outpatient treatment.

How We Can Help with Involuntary Treatment in Alachua County

Ours is a qualified team that is well versed in Marchman Act procedure in Alachua County. We can be instrumental in helping you navigate through the process effectively. The steps we take can include

Assistance with organizing and filing your case and adhering to the legal parameters for a substance abuse case under the Florida Marchman Act. They facilitate the process to ensure that the individual of concern is transported to a facility for their assessment and treatment following the court order. They are recommending suitable treatment facilities within Alachua County, preserving the individual’s rights while also addressing their specific therapeutic needs. We are dedicated to helping in every possible way to alleviate the stress from your shoulders and make this process run as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to assist those in need and under the grips of addiction, allowing them to get the help they need.

Clerk of Court in Alachua County

Your first step when pursuing a Marchman Act case would be to contact the Clerk of Court in Alachua County. They are able to provide you with either minor or adult filing packets depending on the age of the person in question.

These packets include all the required court forms that you’ll need to initiate a case, such as:

• The Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization

• The Petition for Involuntary Treatment

• Certificate of Counselor

• Notice to Respondent and Certificates of Service

The Alachua County Clerk of Court is at 201 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601. You can contact them for additional comprehensive information pertaining to filing a Marchman Act petition.

Admitting that a loved one needs help can be challenging, but there is hope through the Marchman Act in Florida. Never hesitate to reach out for help as you navigate through this difficult period. We are here, equipped, and ready to assist you.

Recapping, the Marchman Act in Alachua County Florida allows a court to mandate assessment and treatment for a loved one trapped in the throes of addiction, and we are here to help. Every city in Alachua County, including Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, and others, falls under this jurisdiction and we have you completely covered in the whole process. The Clerk of Court will provide you with the required minor or adult filing packets and we will guide you every step of the way.

You are not alone in this. Take that first step towards saving the life of your loved one. It’s worth it.