LATEST ARTICLE

  • person touching puzzled mans shoulder

    Watching a loved one struggle with substance use disorder can be heartbreaking, especially when they refuse help or are unable to make decisions for their well-being. In some cases, the situation may reach a point where intervention is no longer optional.  The Marchman Act provides a legal pathway for families and friends to help individuals

    March 24th, 2025
  • man hugging woman

    Understanding the Court’s Role in a Marchman Act Petition Filing a Marchman Act petition is a significant step in ensuring that a loved one struggling with substance use disorder gets the help they need. But what happens next? Once the petition is submitted, the legal process begins, and many families are left wondering what to

    March 17th, 2025
  • Psychotherapist working with a substance use disorder man under the Marchman Act

    When you have a potential Marchman Act case, you must understand the role that mental health plays. The Marchman Act is a legal process in the United States that allows for the involuntary assessment and treatment of individuals struggling with substance abuse. However, mental health often intersects with substance abuse, making it necessary to consider

    February 24th, 2025
  • Will There Be a Public Record of My Child's Substance Abuse Treatment if I File a Marchman Act Case

    The Marchman Act is a legal tool used in the state of Florida to help individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. While it has been beneficial in many cases, it is not perfect legislation. When considering taking action under this law, it is important to examine its strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, the

    February 19th, 2025
  • Marchman Act law

    If you have a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse, it can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming situation. You may feel helpless and unsure of what steps to take to ensure their safety and well-being. Fortunately, a legal tool called the Marchman Act can provide much-needed support in these difficult circumstances. The

    February 17th, 2025
  • Step-by-Step: How to File for a Marchman Act Petition

    Florida’s Marchman Act allows you to petition for someone to receive an evaluation and any necessary treatment, generally for drug or alcohol addiction. This act has been in effect for more than three decades, and it is more necessary than ever. Countless families in Florida are negatively affected by addiction, and many are at their

    February 14th, 2025
  • Can the Marchman Act Be Used to Help Minors

    Yes, in certain cases the Marchman Act can be used to help minors. If a parent, guardian, or qualified medical or mental health practitioner petitions the court successfully, a minor may be evaluated and treated—even if they would not have pursued help on their own. The Marchman Act is arguably the most effective and beneficial

    February 12th, 2025
  • File a lawsuit

    Florida created the Marchman Act in the early 1990s, and it has long allowed families to obtain help for those struggling with substance abuse. The original Act allowed those concerned about someone in the throes of addiction—usually loved ones—to evaluate, stabilize, and sometimes treat the struggling party for their addiction. Recent updates to the Marchman

    February 10th, 2025
  • Balancing Individual Rights and Family Needs Under the Marchman Act

    Substance abuse often creates a challenging dynamic between individual rights and family needs. Families want to ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones, but the individual’s autonomy and legal rights must also be respected. The Marchman Act, a Florida law designed to address substance abuse through court-ordered assessment and treatment, seeks to balance

    January 29th, 2025