{"id":15977,"date":"2026-11-02T04:05:35","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T04:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/spouse-addiction-court-ordered-treatment-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T01:37:06","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T01:37:06","slug":"spouse-addiction-court-ordered-treatment-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/spouse-addiction-court-ordered-treatment-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Attorney Florida: Spouse Treatment Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-15975\" alt=\"Courtroom scene with a judge, a respondent and their attorney, and a clerk preparing commitment orders.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-a-respondent-and-their-attorney-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Marchman Act Attorney \u00b7 Miami-Dade &amp; South Florida<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Help for Families Facing a Spouse&#x27;s Addiction<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families across South Florida and statewide. Start with a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published November 1, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A Marchman Act petition is a Florida court filing that asks a judge to order assessment and treatment for a person who is substance abuse impaired. It is not a divorce filing. If you&#8217;re asking whether a court order for treatment without divorce is possible in Florida, this page explains the process, the limits, and the next step.<\/p>\n<p>Your home may feel unpredictable right now. Money is tight. You worry about the kids. You keep asking what happens if nothing changes. You shouldn&#8217;t have to carry that alone.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Marchman Act Petition Is, and Why It Is Not a Divorce<\/h2>\n<p>A Marchman Act petition asks a court to order assessment and treatment for a person with substance abuse impairment. It is a treatment filing, not a divorce case.<\/p>\n<p>Florida law says who may file. For an adult, a petition may be filed by the respondent&#8217;s spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the impairment and the prior course of assessment and treatment (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68112.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a>). The person named in the petition is the respondent.<\/p>\n<p>Your fear is that filing means losing the marriage and the family. A petition does not decide the marriage. It asks the court to look at your spouse&#8217;s need for care. No lawyer can promise how your family&#8217;s future will look.<\/p>\n<p>Florida law describes substance abuse impairment as a disease that affects the whole family. It calls for a system of care that supports and strengthens the family unit (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.305.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.305<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your spouse&#x27;s drinking has made your home unsafe, we can talk through your facts with you at a free first consultation. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wooden-gavel-on-desk-with-legal-folders-in-courtroom-setting-photo-12.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden gavel resting on a round surface beside folders on a courtroom table, shown from above.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What You Need to Show About Your Household and Your Children<\/h2>\n<p>A petition needs specific facts, not general worry. Florida law lists what it must contain (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68141.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68141<\/a>):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your spouse&#8217;s name, your name, and how you are related<\/li>\n<li>Your spouse&#8217;s attorney&#8217;s name, if known<\/li>\n<li>Why you believe your spouse has a substance abuse impairment<\/li>\n<li>Why you believe the impairment has taken away your spouse&#8217;s power of self-control over substance use<\/li>\n<li>\n<ul>\n<li>At the hearing, the petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that your spouse is substance abuse impaired and has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for substance abuse. The petitioner must also prove that, because of the impairment, your spouse is unlikely to voluntarily participate in the recommended services or is unable to decide whether services are necessary. On top of that, one of two things must be shown. The first is that without services your spouse is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse self-care, that this poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to your spouse&#8217;s well-being, and that there is a substantial likelihood that without services your spouse will cause serious bodily harm to self or another in the near future, as evidenced by recent behavior. The second is that your spouse&#8217;s refusal of care is based on judgment so impaired by substance abuse that your spouse is incapable of appreciating the need for care and of making a rational decision about that need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Start a written record now. For each incident, write the date, what happened, who saw it, and any injury, police contact, or missed work. Dated facts are easier for a court to follow than a summary of how things have felt.<\/p>\n<p>Note whether your spouse had a recent assessment. A petition may include an assessment by a qualified professional done within 30 days before filing. If there was none, or your spouse refused one, the petition must say so.<\/p>\n<p>Refusal alone is not enough. The law says a mere refusal to receive services does not count as evidence of lack of judgment about the need for them (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a>). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a> reads: &#8220;(b) Without care or treatment, is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself; that such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to his or her well-being; and that it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing, able, and responsible family members or friends or the provision of other services, or there is substantial likelihood that the person has inflicted, or threatened to or attempted to inflict, or, unless admitted, is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself, herself, or another.&#8221; The facts around the refusal matter.<\/p>\n<p>Bring your notes to a consultation so we can sort out which facts apply to your household.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Petition Can Request, and What It Cannot Do<\/h2>\n<p>A petition can ask the court to order assessment and treatment for your spouse.<\/p>\n<p>If the court finds the conditions proved by clear and convincing evidence, it may order involuntary treatment services for up to 90 days (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.697.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.697<\/a>). A renewal may be requested before that period ends if the conditions are expected to continue.<\/p>\n<p>Family questions run in separate cases and need their own advice. Some of them may need a different lawyer or firm, and we may refer those matters to one.<\/p>\n<p>For more on protecting the children during this period, read our guide on <a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-attorney-spouse-drinking-fear-for-the-kids-florida\/\">spouse drinking and fear for the kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A Marchman case moves from your facts to a filing, then to a hearing where the judge decides whether treatment is ordered.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation.<\/strong> We review your facts and whether a petition fits your situation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing.<\/strong> The petition goes to the clerk of court in the county where your spouse is located. The clerk may not charge a filing fee for it (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.681.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681<\/a>). Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.681.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681(1)<\/a>, involuntary treatment petitions for substance abuse impaired persons must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located, and the clerk may not charge a fee for filing such a petition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hearing date.<\/strong> The court must schedule a hearing within 10 court working days unless a continuance is granted (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68151.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68151<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Notice and counsel.<\/strong> Your spouse receives a copy of the petition and the hearing notice. Your spouse has the right to a lawyer (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.681.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hearing.<\/strong> The court hears evidence. That can include testimony from family members familiar with your spouse&#8217;s history (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6957.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6957<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If there is an emergency, the petition can ask for an ex parte assessment and stabilization order, meaning an order entered without a prior hearing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6818.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6818<\/a>). Under that section, a provider generally may not hold a person for more than 72 hours of observation, with limited exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>If a mental health disorder is also involved, Florida&#8217;s criteria cover a co-occurring mental health disorder alongside substance use (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>Protecting the Children and the Household While the Case Moves<\/h2>\n<p>The steps that help most right now are a dated record, steady routines for the children, and a clear plan for emergencies.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep a dated log of incidents, with the names of anyone who saw them.<\/li>\n<li>Keep money records: bills, past-due notices, and any debts taken on because of the crisis.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the children&#8217;s routines steady: school, meals, bedtime, and an adult they trust.<\/li>\n<li>If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Write down changes too, such as new behavior, trouble sleeping, or a child who stops talking about school. These details show the strain on the household. They also help you describe the situation clearly at a consultation.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Robinson Casey Handles Marchman Act Petitions<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson &amp; Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters.<\/p>\n<p>Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm serves families across South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, and statewide.<\/p>\n<p>Our attorneys focus on the petition itself: the facts, the filing county, the hearing, and the order. Our team includes office staff who handle scheduling and intake, so you know who to talk to.<\/p>\n<p>Because the work is narrow, we&#8217;re direct about its edges. Custody, divorce, and property questions may need a different lawyer or firm, and we may refer those matters out. If your situation also involves guardianship, that falls within this practice.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-petition-documents-wh-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Courtroom scene with a judge reviewing petition documents while the petitioner sits with counsel.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Common Questions Before You Decide<\/h2>\n<p>Short answers: a Marchman petition is not a divorce, and a spouse may file one.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does filing a petition mean we&#8217;re getting divorced?<\/summary><p>No. A Marchman petition asks for assessment and treatment. Divorce is a separate case.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I file if my spouse refuses treatment?<\/summary><p>Yes, a spouse may file (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68112.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a>). A refusal alone does not prove lack of judgment (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my spouse get a lawyer?<\/summary><p>Yes. Yes. Your spouse has the right to a lawyer at every stage, though your spouse may waive that right if present and the court finds the waiver is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. If the court believes your spouse needs or wants a lawyer, the court must appoint one, whatever your spouse&#8217;s wishes are (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.681.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does a Marchman Act case cost money?<\/summary><p>The clerk may not charge a filing fee for the petition. Our first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. Whether other costs apply depends on the facts of your case.<\/p><\/details><h3>Can a Marchman case decide custody?<\/h3><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is my spouse&#8217;s treatment record private?<\/summary><p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/42\/290dd-2\">42 U.S.C. \u00a7 290dd-2<\/a>, records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of a patient in federally assisted substance use disorder programs are confidential and may be disclosed only for the purposes and under the circumstances the statute expressly authorizes, including with the patient&#8217;s prior written consent or under a court order granted after a showing of good cause.<\/p>\n<p>If your spouse&#8217;s drinking has made your home unsafe and you&#8217;re weighing a Marchman petition, call (561) 849-4149 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a>. We&#8217;ll go through your facts with you.<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Results in prior cases do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. Please consult a licensed Florida attorney for advice specific to your situation. Robinson Casey, 6400 Congress Ave #2050, Boca Raton, FL 33487.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Why Families Contact Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focused Practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our firm focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters, so these cases are the core of our work.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidential Conversations<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What you share during your first consultation is kept confidential.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--check\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free First Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support Staff<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our assistants and office staff work with our attorneys to keep you informed and organized.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Statewide Reach<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We serve families in Miami-Dade and across South Florida, and we assist clients statewide.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">A Marchman Act Petition Is Not a Divorce<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Marchman Act petition asks the court for assessment and treatment. Divorce is a separate case. Speak with our team to understand how the two differ.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Matters We Handle<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marchman Act Attorney<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Petitions for assessment and treatment when a loved one&#x27;s substance use puts their safety or health at risk.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guardianship Attorney<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guidance through guardianship proceedings for adults who need court-supervised support.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emergency Temporary Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requests for short-term court protection when an immediate need arises.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plenary and Limited Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Full and limited guardianship options, each tailored to the level of support a person requires.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental Health Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Court-supervised guardianship for individuals whose mental health affects their ability to make decisions.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Involuntary Commitment for Addiction<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Petitions seeking court-ordered treatment for addiction under Florida law.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk With Robinson Casey Today. Your First Consultation Is Free.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Call (561) 849-4149 or Schedule a Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Call (561) 849-4149 or Schedule a Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/after-involuntary-commitment-addiction\/\">Involuntary Commitment for Addiction in Florida<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/spouse-start-marchman-act-partner-opioids-florida\/\">Can a Spouse Start a Marchman Act for a Partner Who Uses Opioids in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/talk-addicted-adult-child-about-treatment-before-filing\/\">How to Talk to an Addicted Adult Child About Treatment Before Filing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/talk-loved-one-before-involuntary-addiction-petition\/\">How to Talk to a Loved One Before Filing an Involuntary Addiction Petition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/talk-loved-one-involuntary-treatment-florida\/\">How to Talk to a Loved One About Involuntary Treatment in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/talk-to-addicted-adult-about-court-petition-florida\/\">How to Talk to an Addicted Adult About a Court Petition in Florida<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your spouse&#8217;s drinking has made home unsafe, learn how a Florida Marchman Act petition works, what it covers, and what it cannot do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":212,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/spouse-addiction-court-ordered-treatment-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/internamiento-involuntario-adiccion\/conyuge-adiccion-tratamiento-judicial-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/spouse-addiction-court-ordered-treatment-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Marchman Act Petition for a Spouse's Assessment and Treatment in Florida\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"PeopleAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Spouses (husband or wife, ages 35 to 65) whose partner's substance use or mental illness has made the household unstable\", \"suggestedMaxAge\": 65, \"suggestedMinAge\": 35}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"Miami-Dade County, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Explains how a Florida Marchman Act petition asks a court to order assessment and treatment for a spouse with a substance use problem, what the petition covers and does not cover, the general steps of the process, and how to start with a free first consultation. The page is written for a husband or wife whose spouse's drinking, drug use, or mental illness has made the household unstable.\", \"serviceType\": \"Legal services: Marchman Act petition under Florida Statutes Chapter 397\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": [\"Marchman Act\", \"Florida Statutes Chapter 397\", \"court-ordered substance abuse treatment for a spouse\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Marchman Act\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marchman_Act\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Involuntary commitment\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Involuntary_commitment\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Legal guardian\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Legal_guardian\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Substance use disorder\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Substance_use_disorder\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. 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Divorce is a separate case.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I file if my spouse refuses treatment?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, a spouse may file (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112). A refusal alone does not prove lack of judgment (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675).\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does my spouse get a lawyer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Yes. Your spouse has the right to a lawyer at every stage, though your spouse may waive that right if present and the court finds the waiver is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. If the court believes your spouse needs or wants a lawyer, the court must appoint one, whatever your spouse\u2019s wishes are (Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681).\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does a Marchman Act case cost money?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The clerk may not charge a filing fee for the petition. Our first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. Whether other costs apply depends on the facts of your case.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is my spouse\u2019s treatment record private?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Under 42 U.S.C. \u00a7 290dd-2, records of the identity, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of a patient in federally assisted substance use disorder programs are confidential and may be disclosed only for the purposes and under the circumstances the statute expressly authorizes, including with the patient\u2019s prior written consent or under a court order granted after a showing of good cause. If your spouse\u2019s drinking has made your home unsafe and you\u2019re weighing a Marchman petition, call (561) 849-4149 or schedule a consultation. 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