{"id":15832,"date":"2026-11-01T06:33:11","date_gmt":"2026-11-01T06:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-urgent-filing-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T20:12:49","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T20:12:49","slug":"marchman-act-urgent-filing-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-urgent-filing-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Attorney in Florida: How Fast Can You File?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Petitions | Miami-Dade and South Florida<\/p>

Ready to File? Start with a Marchman Act Attorney Who Knows the Process<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami-Dade, across South Florida and statewide. Call (561) 849-4700 or schedule a free, confidential consultation.<\/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 November 1, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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How fast can a Marchman Act be filed in Florida? A petition can move quickly once the facts are written down accurately and the sworn statements are ready. The court’s later steps follow fixed timelines in the statute, not the filing date. This page explains what drives each stage and what to gather now.<\/p>\n

When a Parent Needs a Marchman Act Petition Right Now<\/h2>\n

Maybe your adult child has just overdosed, left a hospital, relapsed after treatment, or disappeared and cannot be reached. You have tried treatment, boundaries, and hard talks. Nothing has held.<\/p>\n

The Marchman Act is the part of Chapter 397, Florida Statutes, that lets a court order assessment and treatment for substance abuse impairment. A petition asks the court to act. It is not a criminal charge.<\/p>\n

Florida law sets who may start the process. For an adult, \u00a7 397.68112<\/a> allows a petition from 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. A parent is a relative, so a parent may file.<\/p>\n

Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act and guardianship matters, serving families across South Florida and statewide. Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/p>\n\n

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If your child is in danger right now and you do not know where to turn, our team can talk through the petition steps with you. 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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How Fast Can a Marchman Act Petition Be Filed in Florida?<\/h2>\n

The filing can happen quickly once the facts are ready. The court’s later steps are what follow set statutory clocks. Two stages shape the timing.<\/p>\n