{"id":15351,"date":"2026-10-30T04:39:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T04:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-missing-adult-child-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T04:40:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T04:40:03","slug":"marchman-act-missing-adult-child-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-missing-adult-child-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Attorney Miami Dade: Missing Adult Son"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Attorney | Miami-Dade<\/p>

When Your Adult Son Needs Help He Won't Accept, You Still Have Options<\/h1>

Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami-Dade and across South Florida. Your free first consultation is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 30, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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My adult son disappeared, and I don’t know where he is or whether he’s safe. Yes, a parent can ask a Florida court for help under the Marchman Act. The Act lets a family member petition a judge for assessment and, when the legal conditions are met, involuntary treatment for an adult severely impaired by substance use. The Florida Department of Children and Families<\/a> describes the Act the same way. This page explains what the petition says, where it’s filed, how notice works, and what happens at the hearing. Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami Dade, across South Florida and statewide.<\/p>\n

What a Marchman Act Petition Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n

A Marchman Act petition is a court filing that asks a judge to order assessment and possible treatment for an adult with a substance use problem. Your son is the respondent. The family member who files is the petitioner.<\/p>\n

For an adult, the law says who may file. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a>, a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult who has direct personal knowledge of the respondent\u2019s substance abuse impairment and his or her prior course of assessment and treatment may file. As his parent, you are a relative, so you can file.<\/p>\n

Many parents feel they lost every legal tool when their child turned 18. The Marchman Act is a civil process that starts with a petition, which may be filed by a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult who has direct personal knowledge of the respondent’s substance abuse impairment and his or her prior course of assessment and treatment. It is one route open to families of adults facing a serious substance use problem, such as a recent overdose, relapse, hospital stay, or arrest.<\/p>\n\n

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When your adult son has disappeared and you feel out of options, you do not have to face the court process alone. Talk with our team about what you know. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What the Sworn Petition Must Describe<\/h2>\n

The petition must name your son and you, state your relationship, and set out specific facts. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68141<\/a>, the petition must explain:<\/p>\n