{"id":15766,"date":"2026-11-01T04:13:19","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T04:13:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petition-family-lawyer-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-11T04:01:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T04:01:25","slug":"marchman-act-petition-family-lawyer-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petition-family-lawyer-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Lawyer to Help Families in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act & Guardianship | Miami-Dade and South Florida<\/p>

A Marchman Act Lawyer to Help Your Family Take the Next Step<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families across South Florida and statewide. Richard J. Casey III, Esq. leads this page's practice, and our team guides you through each step with clear, careful communication.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4700<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4700<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why Families Turn to Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n

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A Focused Practice<\/h3>

Our firm concentrates on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters, so your case is handled by lawyers who work in these areas every day.<\/p><\/div>

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Compassion for Hard Decisions<\/h3>

A loved one's health and safety are at stake. We listen closely, explain your options in plain language, and respect the family you are trying to protect.<\/p><\/div>

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Clear, Direct Communication<\/h3>

Our team keeps you informed about the process, the paperwork, and what to expect at each stage, so you are never left guessing.<\/p><\/div>

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South Florida and Statewide<\/h3>

We serve families in Miami-Dade and across South Florida, and we represent clients in matters throughout the state.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published November 1, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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You have paid for treatment, tried interventions, and held firm on boundaries, yet your adult child keeps getting worse. A lawyer can help a Florida family file a Marchman Act petition, which asks a court to order assessment and treatment for an adult with substance use problems. If you are looking for a lawyer to help family file marchman act florida papers, this page explains how the process works in plain terms.<\/p>\n

Where You Are Right Now: Your Adult Child Is Getting Worse<\/h2>\n

Many parents reach this point after a recent overdose, relapse, hospital stay, arrest, or disappearance. You may feel you have run out of options. Your fears are real: an overdose, jail, homelessness, or losing hope that anything will work. The sections below answer those fears directly. Every family’s facts are different, so no outcome can be promised.<\/p>\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

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 Marchman Act Is and Who It Covers<\/h2>\n

The Marchman Act is the part of Florida’s Chapter 397 that lets a court order involuntary treatment for a person impaired by substance use. A person may meet the criteria for involuntary admission when there is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired, or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder, and has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse.<\/p>\n

The petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is substance abuse impaired and has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for substance abuse, and is unlikely to voluntarily participate in the recommended services or is unable to determine for himself or herself whether services are necessary, and either is incapable of appreciating the need for care, or is likely to neglect himself or herself, posing a real and present threat of substantial harm, and there is a substantial likelihood of serious bodily harm to self or others in the near future, as evidenced by recent behavior.<\/p>\n

For an adult, a petition may be filed by a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the impairment and prior treatment (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a>). As a parent, you are a relative who may file. The petition asks a judge to decide the question.<\/p>\n

What Legal Help for a Family Petitioner Covers<\/h2>\n

A lawyer to help family file marchman act florida petitions reviews the facts, prepares the filing, and guides you through the hearing. Support covers these areas:<\/p>\n