Marchman Act & Guardianship Attorneys Serving South Florida
When a family member needs protection or intervention for addiction, mental health crisis, or incapacity, Robinson Casey provides focused legal guidance for emergency temporary guardianship, plenary guardianship, limited guardianship, mental health guardianship, and involuntary commitment petitions.
Legal Help for Families Facing Addiction and Guardianship Decisions in South Florida
When a loved one struggles with addiction or can no longer care for themselves, families need clear legal guidance and swift action. Robinson & Casey handles Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters exclusively—we focus on these areas because families in crisis need a law firm that knows them deeply.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Who We Are and Who We Help
Robinson & Casey is a Florida law firm serving families across South Florida and statewide. We work with adult children worried about aging parents, parents concerned about adult children battling addiction, spouses seeking to protect incapacitated partners, and other family members facing the difficult decision of pursuing legal guardianship or involuntary commitment.
Our practice is narrow by design. We do not handle divorce, personal injury, real estate, or general litigation. We handle Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters—nothing else. This focus means we understand the statutes, the court procedures, the medical and psychological dimensions, and the emotional weight these cases carry.
How We Help: Our Approach
Navigating guardianship or involuntary commitment law requires both legal precision and human sensitivity. Here’s what working with us looks like:
Initial Consultation
We listen to your situation without judgment. We ask detailed questions about your loved one’s condition, your family’s circumstances, and what outcome you’re hoping for. This conversation helps us understand whether guardianship, the Marchman Act, or another approach fits your needs.
Legal Assessment
We review the facts against Florida law. Guardianship requires proof that your loved one lacks the capacity to manage their person or property. The Marchman Act requires evidence of substance abuse and a likelihood of serious harm without treatment. We explain what the law requires, what evidence matters, and what the process will look like.
Petition Preparation and Filing
We prepare the necessary petitions, affidavits, and supporting documents. We file them with the appropriate court and ensure all procedural requirements are met. Timing and accuracy matter—especially in emergency situations.
Court Representation
We represent you in court hearings. We present evidence, examine witnesses when needed, and advocate for the legal arrangement that protects your loved one.
Ongoing Support
For guardianship cases, we help with post-appointment matters, including accountings, modifications, and compliance with court orders.
The Practice Areas We Handle
Marchman Act & Involuntary Commitment for Addiction
The Marchman Act (Fla. Stat. § 397.675) allows families to petition a court for involuntary assessment and treatment of a person abusing alcohol or drugs. You do not need the person’s consent. The court can order them into treatment if evidence shows substance abuse and a likelihood of serious harm without intervention.
We handle Marchman Act petitions from start to finish—filing the petition, gathering medical and behavioral evidence, representing you at the hearing, and ensuring the court order is properly entered and enforced.
Guardianship: The Full Range
Guardianship is a court-supervised relationship in which a guardian is appointed to make decisions for an incapacitated person (the ward). Florida law recognizes several forms:
Emergency Temporary Guardianship
When immediate danger exists and there is no time for a full guardianship hearing, the court can appoint an emergency temporary guardian. This is a short-term measure—typically 60 days—that gives you legal authority to act while a plenary guardianship petition is pending. We handle the urgent filings and emergency hearings these cases require.
Plenary Guardianship
A plenary guardian has broad authority over the ward’s person and property. The guardian makes healthcare decisions, manages finances, decides where the ward lives, and handles other major life decisions. Plenary guardianship is appropriate when the ward is substantially unable to manage their affairs.
Limited Guardianship
Limited guardianship grants authority over specific areas only—for example, healthcare decisions but not financial management, or financial matters but not personal decisions. Limited guardianship preserves the ward’s autonomy in areas where they retain capacity. We help families determine whether limited guardianship is appropriate and draft petitions that define the guardian’s powers clearly.
Mental Health Guardianship
Guardianship can be established when a person has a mental illness, developmental disability, or other condition affecting their capacity. We work with families and medical professionals to establish guardianship based on mental health grounds and ensure the guardianship order reflects the ward’s actual needs and abilities.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
Why Families Choose Robinson & Casey
Focused Practice
We do not divide our attention across dozens of practice areas. Marchman Act law and guardianship law are what we know. We stay current with statute changes, case law, and procedural updates because this is all we do.
Experience and Continuity
We handle these matters. We know the judges, the court procedures, the local requirements, and the practical realities of getting cases resolved efficiently.
Responsiveness
Families in crisis need to reach their lawyer. We prioritize communication and return calls promptly. When a situation is urgent—an emergency temporary guardianship or an immediate Marchman Act filing—we move fast.
Straightforward Counsel
We explain the law clearly. We tell you what is realistic, what the process will cost in time and money, and what you can expect. We do not oversell or sugarcoat difficult situations.
We Serve South Florida and Beyond
We are based in South Florida and serve Miami-Dade County and the surrounding region. We also handle cases statewide. If you are in Florida and facing a guardianship or Marchman Act matter, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a guardianship take?
A plenary guardianship typically takes 2–4 months from filing to appointment, depending on court schedules and whether the respondent contests the petition. An emergency temporary guardianship can be granted within days. We give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.
What does guardianship cost?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case, whether the respondent contests it, and whether ongoing management is needed. We discuss fees upfront and explain what is included.
Can I pursue both a Marchman Act petition and guardianship?
Yes. In some situations, both are appropriate—for example, a family might seek involuntary commitment for addiction treatment while also establishing guardianship to manage the person’s finances and healthcare more broadly. We assess your specific circumstances.
What if my loved one refuses treatment or contests the guardianship?
The court can order treatment or guardianship even over the person’s objection if the legal standard is met. We present the evidence and advocate for your position in court.
Do I need to be a family member to petition for guardianship or a Marchman Act commitment?
No. Florida law allows any interested person to petition. We can advise you on standing and the best approach for your situation.
Want to know where you stand?
Tell us what happened and our team will walk you through the options available to you, at no cost.
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
If you are facing a guardianship decision or considering a Marchman Act petition, call us to schedule a consultation.
Robinson & Casey
(561) 849-4700
How Robinson Casey Serves Your Family
Focused Practice Areas
We handle Marchman Act petitions, emergency temporary guardianship, plenary guardianship, limited guardianship, mental health guardianship, and involuntary commitment for addiction—nothing else.
Fast Action When It Matters
Emergency temporary guardianship can be granted within days. We understand that time is critical when a family member is in crisis.
Clear Legal Guidance
We explain your options—whether emergency intervention, temporary protection, or long-term guardianship—and guide you through the petition process.
South Florida & Statewide Service
Based in South Florida, we serve Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and families across Florida navigating these sensitive matters.
Our Practice Areas
Marchman Act Petitions
Involuntary commitment for substance abuse. We prepare and file petitions to seek court-ordered treatment when a loved one refuses help.
Emergency Temporary Guardianship
Immediate court protection when a family member is in imminent danger or unable to care for themselves. Granted quickly to address urgent crises.
Plenary Guardianship
Full legal authority over an incapacitated person's person and property. We guide you through the petition, hearing, and ongoing guardianship duties.
Limited & Mental Health Guardianship
Tailored guardianship that addresses specific needs—mental health crisis, partial incapacity, or targeted decision-making authority.
Time Matters in Crisis
If a family member is in immediate danger, an emergency temporary guardianship or Marchman Act petition may need to be filed urgently. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can assess your situation and take action.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Our Practice Areas
Involuntary Commitment
Learn more →
Mental Health Guardianship
Learn more →
Guardianship Attorney in Florida
Learn more →