What specifically needs to be filed with the court to begin the process?
The petition, which is a formal statement of facts demonstrating that the subject meets the criteria for AOT, must be filed in court and accompanied by the affidavit of the examining physician. The affidavit must show that the physician examined the subject within 10 days of the filing of the petition, and that the subject meets the criteria for AOT. If the subject has refused examination, the physician’s affidavit must state that attempts at examination were made and that the physician believes the individual meets the AOT criteria. Several other procedural forms must also be filed, and standard court filing fees must be paid at the time of filing. All necessary forms are available through your county mental health department.
