{"id":18645,"date":"2026-11-07T05:33:25","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T05:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-petition-florida-families\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T18:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T18:51:19","slug":"involuntary-addiction-treatment-petition-florida-families","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-petition-florida-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Involuntary Addiction Treatment Petition Florida"},"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-80 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-18644\" alt=\"Courtroom scene with a judge reviewing involuntary addiction commitment petition documents during a Florida Marchman Act hearing.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-involuntary-addiction-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 Petitions | South Florida &amp; Statewide<\/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)\">Helping Florida Families Seek Court-Ordered Addiction Treatment<\/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\">Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published November 7, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>An involuntary addiction treatment petition in Florida is a court filing under the Marchman Act. It asks a judge to order an adult into assessment and, if the legal criteria are met, into treatment. A family member or another eligible person files it, not the person who uses substances. This page explains who may file, what the petition must say, how the process moves, and what to do when waiting is not safe. Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami-Dade, South Florida and statewide.<\/p>\n<h2>What an Involuntary Addiction Treatment Petition Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>An involuntary addiction treatment petition lets a family ask a court for help when a loved one will not accept it voluntarily. Florida law gives the courts jurisdiction over involuntary treatment petitions for substance abuse impaired persons and requires that each petition be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located (<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>). The person named in the petition is the respondent. The person who files it is the petitioner.<\/p>\n<p>Not everyone can file. For an adult, <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> allows a petition by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the respondent&#8217;s spouse or legal guardian<\/li>\n<li>any relative<\/li>\n<li>a service provider<\/li>\n<li>an adult with direct personal knowledge of the substance abuse impairment and the person&#8217;s prior assessment and treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A petition is not a voluntary admission. It is also a separate proceeding from guardianship. The right choice depends on the facts.<\/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 you are watching a loved one keep using after overdoses, you do not have to work out the Marchman Act process alone, and we can talk through your family&#x27;s dated facts. 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\/mazo-de-juez-sobre-escritorio-en-sala-de-tribunal-s-mbolo-de-photo-4.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a wooden gavel resting on a courtroom desk, representing the legal process.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What the Petition Must Say and What to Gather<\/h2>\n<p>The petition must name the respondent and the petitioner. It must state how they are related. It must also set out the facts behind the request, as <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> requires.<\/p>\n<p>The facts must give reasons the petitioner believes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the respondent is substance abuse impaired<\/li>\n<li>the impairment has caused a loss of power of self-control over substance use<\/li>\n<li>the respondent has inflicted or is likely to inflict physical harm on himself, herself, or others unless the court orders the involuntary services, or refuses care because impaired judgment blocks a rational decision about it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If there is an emergency, the petition must describe the urgent circumstances and include a request for an ex parte assessment and stabilization order. It may include a report from a qualified professional who examined the respondent within 30 days before filing. If the respondent was not assessed or refused, the petition must say so.<\/p>\n<p>Families should gather:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>dated incidents, including overdoses, emergency room visits, and missed days<\/li>\n<li>the substances involved and the pattern as far as you know it<\/li>\n<li>any attempts to get help and how your loved one responded<\/li>\n<li>medical or emergency records you already hold<\/li>\n<li>names of people who saw recent events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Specific, dated detail helps the court weigh the request. Write it down while it is fresh.<\/p>\n<h2>Warning Signs That Often Lead Families to File<\/h2>\n<p>Families often file after a pattern of harm, not a single event. These signs point to that pattern:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>repeated overdoses, including times your loved one was revived and then returned to use<\/li>\n<li>refusal of help while still in danger<\/li>\n<li>stealing money or property from family to buy drugs<\/li>\n<li>long stretches away while using, or being unreachable when you are most worried<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Refusal alone is not enough. The statute says that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">mere refusal to receive services<\/a> does not by itself show a 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> 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 petition needs the facts behind the refusal: what happened, when, and what it cost your family.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The court must schedule a hearing within 10 court working days unless a continuance is granted, under <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>. Here is the path from first call to hearing.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Free first consultation.<\/strong> The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. You describe the situation, and the lawyer reviews whether a petition fits your facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gather and draft.<\/strong> You assemble dated incidents and records. The petition is drafted to meet the statute&#8217;s content requirements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>File with the clerk.<\/strong> File in the county where the person is located. The clerk may not charge a fee for this petition, 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<\/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>, the courts have jurisdiction over involuntary treatment petitions, and the petition must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Court review and notice.<\/strong> The respondent has the right to counsel at every stage of the proceeding, and may waive that right only if the respondent is present and the court finds the waiver is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily; if the court believes the respondent needs or desires counsel, it appoints one regardless of the respondent&#8217;s wishes.<\/li>\n<li>The court hears evidence, including testimony from family members who know the history. Testimony is under oath, and the proceedings are recorded.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timing depends on the facts and the court&#8217;s calendar.<\/p>\n<h2>When Waiting Is Not Safe: Emergency Options<\/h2>\n<p>When a loved one faces immediate danger, Florida law lets a court act before a full hearing. The court may rely on the petition alone and enter an ex parte order, meaning one entered before the respondent is heard. It can order assessment and stabilization without first appointing an attorney, under <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>.<\/p>\n<p>The court may order law enforcement to take the respondent into custody for evaluation. A service provider may not hold the respondent for more than 72 hours of observation, unless a listed exception applies, such as signs of withdrawal or a medical need.<\/p>\n<p>Emergency temporary guardianship is a separate tool. It may fit when a loved one cannot manage personal or financial decisions and needs urgent protection. The right tool depends on the facts.<\/p>\n<p>Raise the emergency question at the first conversation. Waiting for a regular hearing date can leave a loved one at risk.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens After a Petition Is Filed: Hearings, Orders, and Challenges<\/h2>\n<p>The respondent has the right to counsel at every stage of the proceeding, although the respondent may waive that right if the respondent is present and the court finds that such waiver is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. 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(2)<\/a>, a respondent has the right to counsel at every stage of a judicial proceeding relating to a petition for involuntary treatment for substance abuse impairment.<\/p>\n<p>The court keeps jurisdiction to enter further orders, such as monitoring compliance, under <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 petition that does not show the required reasons can fail.<\/p>\n<p>Appellate courts have limited what a judge may do when the petitioner is absent. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2435829\/opinion\/Opinion_2024-0354.pdf\">C.W.R.K. v. Stewart Marchman Act Behavioral Healthcare<\/a> is Fifth District law. The Fourth District reached a different result on a related question, and that conflict is certified in <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2438091\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-2185.pdf\">J.J.J. v. D.G.<\/a>. Some of these cases were decided under earlier versions of the statute.<\/p>\n<p>Appeal deadlines are short. Raise questions about an existing order promptly.<\/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<h2>Why Families Work With Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. These cases are the firm&#8217;s focus, not a side service.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/li>\n<li>Our team includes support staff who help families organize documents and schedule consultations.<\/li>\n<li>The firm serves families across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, and statewide.<\/li>\n<li>At the consultation, we review your family&#8217;s facts and options. No outcome can be promised, because each case turns on its own facts.<\/li>\n<li>If another lawyer or firm may be a better fit for a matter, we will say so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Involuntary Addiction Treatment Petitions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a family file without the loved one&#8217;s agreement?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the loved one get notice?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Notice of ancillary hearings, including civil contempt proceedings, must be served under the relevant court procedural rules under <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>, and in an emergency case the court may order a law enforcement officer or another designated agent of the court to serve the respondent with the notice of hearing and a copy of the petition under <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>.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is a petition the same as guardianship?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. They are separate proceedings, and the right choice depends on the facts.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the firm serve areas outside Miami-Dade?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Robinson Casey serves families across South Florida and statewide.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/judge-signing-documents-at-desk-with-focus-on-gavel-represen-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Judge&#x27;s gavel resting beside signed legal documents on a wooden courtroom desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk Through Your Family&#8217;s Situation With Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n<p>Watching a loved one keep using after overdoses, or turn down help while still in danger, is hard to carry alone. Write down the dated events you know about before you call. Then call (561) 849-4700 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">request a consultation<\/a> to talk through your family&#8217;s situation.<\/p>\n\n<\/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\">How Robinson Casey Supports Your Family<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide 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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focused Practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our work centers on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters, the court proceedings that address addiction and incapacity for families in Florida.<\/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--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidential First Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to continue.<\/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--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidance Through Each Step<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team helps families understand the petition process, the hearings involved, and what to expect along the way.<\/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\">Direct Contact<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call (561) 849-4700 to talk with our team about your family&#x27;s situation.<\/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\">Do Not Wait to Ask for Help<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Court proceedings involving a loved one&#x27;s substance use can move quickly and include formal notice and hearing requirements. Speaking with a lawyer early helps you understand the process and your options.<\/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) 849-4700<\/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) 849-4700<\/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\">Representation for families filing Marchman Act petitions for a loved one who needs substance use treatment.<\/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\">Guidance on court-ordered addiction treatment and the proceedings that lead to it.<\/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\">Support for families navigating guardianship petitions in Florida courts.<\/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\">Emergency Temporary Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assistance with urgent petitions when a person needs immediate court protection.<\/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\">Plenary and Limited Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Help determining which guardianship structure fits the needs of your loved one.<\/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\">Representation in guardianship matters involving mental health needs.<\/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\">Speak With Richard J. Casey III, Esq. and Our Team<\/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\">Schedule Your Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4700<\/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 Your Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4700<\/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\/\">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\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-sibling-grandchild-florida\/\">Getting a Brother, Sister or Grandchild into Treatment Against Their Will in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-911-overdose-what-happens-florida\/\">Calling 911 for an Overdose in Florida: What It Does and Does Not Start<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-addicted-parent-children-custody\/\">What Happens to Your Loved One&#x27;s Children When They Are Addicted: Can You Use the Marchman Act?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-adult-child-denies-drug-problem\/\">Can a Parent Force an Adult Child Who Denies Having a Drug Problem Into Treatment in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-commitment-addiction-adult-relative-medical-records-marchman-act-flo\/\">How to Get an Adult Relative&#x27;s Medical Records for a Marchman Act Petition in Florida<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn who can file an involuntary addiction treatment petition in Florida, what it must include, and how the Marchman Act process moves.<\/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\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-petition-florida-families\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/internamiento-involuntario-adiccion\/tratamiento-involuntario-adicciones-florida-familias\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-petition-florida-families\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"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\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Addiction\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Addiction\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Drug rehabilitation\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drug_rehabilitation\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. 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Notice of ancillary hearings, including civil contempt proceedings, must be served under the relevant court procedural rules under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.697, and in an emergency case the court may order a law enforcement officer or another designated agent of the court to serve the respondent with the notice of hearing and a copy of the petition under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6818.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is a petition the same as guardianship?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. They are separate proceedings, and the right choice depends on the facts.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the firm serve areas outside Miami-Dade?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. 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