LATEST ARTICLE
- March 17th, 2026
Talking with your family about the possibility of filing a Marchman Act or Baker Act is rarely easy. These conversations often arise during stressful and emotional situations, when a loved one is struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or refusing the help they need. While legal intervention may feel like a drastic
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, 2025Yes, 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, 2025Florida 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, 2025Substance 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, 2025Will There Be a Public Record of My Child’s Substance Abuse Treatment if I File a Marchman Act Case?
Filing a Marchman Act case to secure treatment for your child’s substance abuse is an emotional and difficult decision. Understandably, parents often worry about whether this process will create a public record that could follow their child into adulthood. Questions about privacy, stigma, and future consequences are common concerns for families considering this legal step.
January 24th, 2025Florida law has a unique tool to help families wrestle their loved ones away from addiction’s grip: the Marchman Act. While many families are desperate to help, their efforts often clash with denial or outright refusal from the person in need. This is where the Marchman Act steps in, offering a legal pathway to compel
January 19th, 2025When someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse and refuses to seek help, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. The Marchman Act, a Florida law designed to provide court-ordered treatment for individuals unable to make rational decisions about their care, offers families and communities a pathway to intervene compassionately. Understanding who can initiate the
January 13th, 2025When a loved one struggles with substance abuse, families often face a difficult decision: how to intervene while respecting their privacy. The Marchman Act, a Florida law designed to help individuals receive court-ordered treatment, provides a legal pathway for families to take action when someone cannot or will not seek help on their own. A common
January 8th, 2025Watching a loved one grapple with substance abuse is emotionally exhausting and often leaves families feeling powerless. Convincing someone to seek treatment for addiction can be an uphill battle, particularly when denial or resistance plays a significant role. However, taking the right steps to address the situation can make a meaningful difference in their recovery
January 3rd, 2025









