{"id":12366,"date":"2026-10-25T07:53:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T07:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/adult-child-refuses-addiction-treatment-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T03:27:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T03:27:46","slug":"adult-child-refuses-addiction-treatment-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/adult-child-refuses-addiction-treatment-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Child Refuses Addiction Treatment: Florida Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act and Guardianship | South Florida and Statewide<\/p>

Your Adult Child Refuses Addiction Treatment? Learn Your Florida Options<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami-Dade and across South Florida. Get clear information about the court process and what your next steps could look like.<\/p>

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By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 25, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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If your adult child refuses addiction treatment in Florida, you cannot force help on your own. Florida’s Marchman Act lets certain family members ask a court to order assessment and treatment. That happens only through a court process with notice and a hearing.<\/p>\n

Where You Are Right Now: Refusal Is Painful, but It Is Not the End of Your Options<\/h2>\n

You didn’t choose this situation. You may be lying awake worried about your child’s safety, or worn out from the same argument again and again. That weight is real.<\/p>\n

This page gives a general overview of what Florida families can do. It is not advice about your specific case. We cover practical steps you can take right away first. Then we explain the Marchman Act under Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes and involuntary commitment for addiction.<\/p>\n

The Florida Department of Children and Families<\/a> describes the Marchman Act as allowing involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment for adults and youth severely impaired by substance abuse.<\/p>\n\n

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If your adult child refuses help and you're weighing whether to go to court, you don't have to figure out the next step alone. We can talk it through with you. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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Why an Adult Child Refuses Treatment and Why It Matters<\/h2>\n

An adult child who refuses treatment often has reasons that are hard to hear. Common ones include denying that substance use is a problem, fear of withdrawal, worry about losing a job or housing, shame, and anger toward family.<\/p>\n

Refusal is common in addiction. Don’t treat a “no” as the final answer. Don’t take it as proof that you did something wrong.<\/p>\n

Florida law makes a similar point. Under Florida’s Marchman Act criteria<\/a>, mere refusal to receive services does not by itself show a lack of judgment about the need for them.<\/p>\n

Understanding the reason can shape how you talk with your child. You don’t need to diagnose the condition. Focus on what you see and what you’re worried about.<\/p>\n

What You Can Do Today Without a Court Order<\/h2>\n

Start with steps that don’t need a court. These include calm conversations, a written record, clear consequences, and a crisis plan.<\/p>\n