LATEST ARTICLE

  • Dignified Florida courthouse exterior with classic columns and palm trees in soft afternoon light
    July 15th, 2026

    After a Marchman Act petition is filed in Florida, a tight timeline kicks in: clerk processing, the 10-day assessment hearing, personal service on the respondent, a 5-day involuntary assessment, a separate treatment petition, and up to 60 days of court-ordered treatment with the option to renew. Knowing what happens at each step helps families show up prepared and avoid the missteps that stall cases.

  • Courtroom, Attractive Judge Lawyer Sitting at Table, Looking at Papers and Laptop in Office, Legal Business Service Concept, Close Up

    If you’re worried about a loved one’s substance use and feel like you’ve run out of options, you’re not alone. When someone is unable, or unwilling, to seek help on their own, the Florida Marchman Act can offer a path forward. This powerful legal tool allows family members, friends, and others to petition the court

    July 21st, 2025
  • Close-up of a caregiver holding hands senior woman patient

    Substance use disorder is a growing yet often overlooked issue among older adults. As the population ages, families and healthcare providers are increasingly confronting the difficult reality of addiction in the elderly, whether it’s the result of long-term dependency, the misuse of prescription medications, or the emotional toll of aging and isolation. When a loved

    July 14th, 2025
  • unrecognizable family of three with their hands in a pile outside

    Once a Marchman Act case concludes—whether your loved one is court-ordered into treatment or released with recommendations, you may find yourself wondering what to do next. The legal process may be over, but the emotional and practical realities of recovery are just beginning. This period can feel overwhelming. You’ve taken a courageous step to intervene,

    June 30th, 2025
  • Close-up of accusation and protection sides with juridical documents standing in front of female judge during discussion of case points

    Taking legal action to help someone you care about can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make. If you’ve filed a Marchman Act petition, you’re likely feeling a mix of concern, uncertainty, and hope—hope that this step will lead to meaningful change for your loved one. As the court date approaches, it’s

    June 25th, 2025
  • Mother and son doing a psychotherapy

    When someone you love is struggling with substance use, it can feel like you’re watching them slip away—and no matter how hard you try, you can’t pull them back. In Florida, the Marchman Act offers a legal path for families to intervene when a loved one is unable or unwilling to seek treatment on their

    June 11th, 2025
  • Hands, therapist and writing for counseling patient with depression, psychology assessment and medical report. Woman, psychologist and document for compliance questions, progress information and help

    When a loved one is struggling with addiction, families in Florida often turn to the Marchman Act—a powerful legal tool that allows them to petition the court for involuntary assessment and treatment. But while the law is statewide, the resources, support systems, and filing processes available to families can vary significantly depending on where they

    May 28th, 2025
  • Anxious soldier in therapy.

    When a veteran returns home from service, the battle isn’t always over. For many, the trauma of combat, physical injuries, and the weight of reintegration can lead to lasting mental health challenges like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. These conditions are real, treatable, and manageable—but too often, they go unaddressed. To cope, some veterans turn to

    May 20th, 2025
  • woman with hand on forehand looking concerned

    When a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder and refuses help, families are often left feeling helpless, scared, and unsure of where to turn. In Florida, the Marchman Act offers a compassionate legal solution — allowing families to petition the court for involuntary assessment and treatment when someone is unable or unwilling to

    May 12th, 2025
  • People embracing together

    When a loved one struggles with addiction, families often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. In Florida, the Marchman Act provides a legal process to require someone to undergo substance use disorder assessment and treatment, even without their consent. While this can be a vital tool during a crisis, it is not the

    April 30th, 2025