{"id":16316,"date":"2026-11-03T00:34:22","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T00:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-dual-diagnosis-marchman-act\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T19:51:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T19:51:48","slug":"involuntary-commitment-addiction-dual-diagnosis-marchman-act","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-dual-diagnosis-marchman-act\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Dual Diagnosis Florida: A Family Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Attorney | Miami-Dade & South Florida<\/p>

Marchman Act Dual Diagnosis Help for South Florida Families<\/h1>

Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters, serving families in Miami-Dade, across South Florida and statewide. Start with a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue.<\/p>

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What to Expect When You Reach Out<\/h2>\n

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Call (561) 849-4700<\/h3>

Speak with our team about your family's situation and the questions on your mind.<\/p><\/div>

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Confidential Conversation<\/h3>

Your first consultation is confidential, so you can share the details you need to.<\/p><\/div>

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Clear Explanation of Options<\/h3>

We explain the Marchman Act, guardianship and related petitions in plain language so you can decide what comes next.<\/p><\/div>

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Attention to Your Family<\/h3>

We understand that substance use and mental health crises affect the whole household, and we treat each matter with care.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published November 2, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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A Marchman Act dual diagnosis Florida case involves one person who has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. The Marchman Act can let a family ask a court to order assessment and treatment for a loved one who is severely impaired by substance abuse. The Florida Department of Children and Families<\/a> describes the law as allowing involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment for adults and youth in this situation.<\/p>\n

This guide explains how the law applies when addiction and mental illness occur together. It also covers the steps, the timeline, and what to consider before you decide what to do next.<\/p>\n

What the Marchman Act Covers When Addiction and Mental Illness Occur Together<\/h2>\n

The Marchman Act covers substance abuse impairment, and Florida law also addresses cases where a mental health disorder exists alongside it. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a>, a person meets the criteria for involuntary admission if there is good faith reason to believe the person has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder and, because of that impairment or disorder, has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse, and also either (a) needs substance abuse services and, because of impairment, cannot appreciate that need or make a rational decision about it, or (b) without care is likely to neglect himself or herself in a way that poses a real and present threat of substantial harm, with no apparent way to avoid that harm through willing, able, and responsible family members or friends or other services, or there is a substantial likelihood the person has inflicted, threatened, or attempted to inflict, or is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself, herself, or another.<\/p>\n

A co-occurring disorder, also called dual diagnosis, means both conditions are present in the same person. Dual diagnosis can make family decisions harder. Your loved one may deny having a problem, refuse treatment, or leave a program and relapse.<\/p>\n

You do not have to be the person with the problem. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a>, for an adult respondent, the respondent’s spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult who has direct personal knowledge of the impairment and of the person’s prior course of assessment and treatment may file a petition.<\/p>\n\n

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Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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Marchman Act or Baker Act: Which Florida Statute Fits<\/h2>\n

The Marchman Act addresses substance abuse, and the Baker Act addresses mental illness. A co-occurring case can involve facts that matter under both laws.<\/p>\n