{"id":18854,"date":"2026-11-08T05:03:30","date_gmt":"2026-11-08T05:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/husband-drinks-kids-home-marchman-act-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T18:42:19","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T18:42:19","slug":"husband-drinks-kids-home-marchman-act-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/husband-drinks-kids-home-marchman-act-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Wife Drinking at Home? Florida Marchman Act Options"},"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-60 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-18852\" alt=\"Courtroom hearing where a judge reviews petition documents while the petitioner sits with counsel\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-hearing-where-a-judge-reviews-petition-documents-w-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 &amp; Guardianship Attorneys | Miami-Dade and 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)\">Worried About a Spouse&#x27;s Drinking at Home? Learn Your Marchman Act Options<\/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 Your 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 Your 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 8, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p><strong>Wife drinking destroying family, what can I do in Florida?<\/strong> A spouse can ask a Florida court for help under the Marchman Act. The court can order an assessment and, if the legal criteria are met, treatment. This page explains who can file, how the process runs, how to protect the children meanwhile, and what the law cannot promise.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act is and whether you can use it<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, a spouse can file a Marchman Act petition in Florida. The Marchman Act covers court-ordered assessment and treatment for people with substance abuse impairment. For an adult, the petition may be filed by the spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult who has direct personal knowledge of the spouse\u2019s substance abuse impairment and 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><\/p>\n<p>You would be the petitioner. Your spouse would be the respondent, the person the court reviews. The petition asks the court to order an assessment. If the criteria are met, it can ask for treatment.<\/p>\n<p>The law sets a clear standard. <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\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 the whole household on edge and the children are watching, you don&#x27;t have to work out the court process alone, and we&#x27;re glad to talk. 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-resting-on-a-judge-s-desk-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a wooden gavel resting on a judge&#x27;s desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>When drinking in the home has crossed into a Marchman Act situation<\/h2>\n<p>Drinking crosses the line when it puts your spouse or your children at real risk and your spouse won&#8217;t accept help. Refusing help alone is not enough. The statute says a mere refusal is not evidence that judgment is impaired, so the facts must show more. <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<p>Common examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drinking while caring for the children, or driving with them in the car<\/li>\n<li>Falls, injuries or medical visits tied to drinking<\/li>\n<li>Police contact, threats or violence at home<\/li>\n<li>Blackouts, missed work or money gone to alcohol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A bad night differs from a pattern. Keep a written log with dates, times, what happened, who was present, and what the children saw or heard. Write what you saw and heard, not guesses about how your spouse feels. Specific dated entries help far more than notes like &#8220;he drinks a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. A court petition is a tool for ongoing risk and for a spouse who refuses help.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Marchman Act petition works, step by step<\/h2>\n<p>A petition is filed with the clerk of the court in the county where your spouse is physically 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 clerk may not charge a filing fee. The petition must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located, as set out in <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>. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/517637\/opinion\/Opinion_16-3789.pdf\">J.P. v. J.N. (Fla. 5th DCA 2017)<\/a><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Gather facts.<\/strong> Collect dates, documents and incident records before anything is filed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prepare the petition.<\/strong> It must name both of you, your relationship, your spouse&#8217;s attorney if known, and the facts behind your belief. <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><\/li>\n<li><strong>Emergency steps.<\/strong> If there is an emergency, the petition must also describe the respondent\u2019s exigent circumstances and include a request for an ex parte assessment and stabilization order. <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> In an emergency, the court may rely solely on the contents of the petition and, without the appointment of an attorney, enter an ex parte order for the respondent&#8217;s involuntary assessment and stabilization.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hearing and counsel.<\/strong> If the respondent does not appear at the hearing for any reason, including lack of service, and the court, after reviewing the petition, testimony and evidence, reasonably believes the respondent meets this chapter&#8217;s commitment criteria and that a substance abuse emergency exists, the court may issue or reissue an ex parte assessment and stabilization order valid for 90 days. If the respondent&#8217;s location is known at the time of the hearing, the court must continue the case for no more than 10 court working days (<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(4)<\/a>). <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/247103\/opinion\/Opinion_02-547.pdf\">Hillsborough County v. Albrechta (Fla. 2d DCA 2003)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><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> provides that once a court orders involuntary treatment services, the court keeps jurisdiction over the case and the parties to enter further orders as circumstances require, including monitoring compliance with treatment, changing the treatment modality, or starting contempt of court proceedings for violating a valid order issued under this chapter.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>How long each stage takes depends on the facts and the county court calendar.<\/p>\n<h2>Protecting the children while the case is pending<\/h2>\n<p>The safest first step is a written plan for who supervises the children and who drives them. Keep alcohol and medications out of reach. Tell trusted adults, and the children&#8217;s school, what is happening so they can watch for problems.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the children&#8217;s routines steady. Keep the incident log current and store it somewhere your spouse cannot easily reach.<\/p>\n<p>Your worry about privacy is reasonable. Petitions and related court records are confidential. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6760.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6760<\/a> The clerk may not publish personal identifying information on a court docket or in a public file.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act cannot promise<\/h2>\n<p>The Act cannot promise recovery, sobriety or any particular result. Plan for what happens if your spouse stays in treatment only briefly or leaves early.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Time limits.<\/strong> A treatment order can end early once its conditions no longer apply.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/633947\/opinion\/Opinion_19-0739.pdf\">J.C. v. State (Fla. 5th DCA 2020)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A court may order privately funded treatment only if your spouse has the ability to pay for it, or if someone acting on your spouse&#8217;s behalf voluntarily shows both a willingness and an ability to pay. Plan for treatment costs, lost income and legal fees.<\/li>\n<li>Families often face divorce, custody and money questions alongside these concerns, and each of those may need its own advice. Raise those separately with a lawyer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Florida regulates substance-use providers, including detox, outpatient, inpatient and aftercare programs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myflfamilies.com\/services\/licensing\/samh\/\">Florida Department of Children and Families<\/a> No lawyer can predict how a particular judge will rule.<\/p>\n<h2>Why families work with Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. The firm serves families across South Florida and statewide.<\/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, including assistants and office staff, who help manage the paperwork and dates a petition requires.<\/li>\n<li>We walk through the same steps covered here: facts, petition contents, timing and the hearing.<\/li>\n<li>The firm also handles guardianship matters, in case your family&#8217;s situation changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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>Common questions from spouses in this situation<\/h2><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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, a spouse may file. The court decides whether the legal criteria are met.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to testify?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be a witness. Family members who know the history may testify under oath, and a lawyer can explain what that involves.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I get emergency help if the home is unsafe?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emergency orders exist when the facts show an emergency. No outcome is promised.<\/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\/11\/florida-courtroom-during-a-marchman-act-hearing-with-a-judge-photo-1.jpg\" alt=\"Florida courtroom during a Marchman Act hearing, with a judge, a respondent with counsel, and a clerk preparing orders.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Take the next step toward a stable home<\/h2>\n<p>You have been carrying this alone, worried about the children, the money and what happens if nothing changes. The first consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation to continue. Call (561) 849-4700 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a> to talk through what is happening at home.<\/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\">Why Families Turn to Robinson Casey<\/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\">A Focused Practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our practice focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters, so your family&#x27;s situation is handled by lawyers who concentrate on these cases.<\/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--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Florida and Statewide<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent families in Miami-Dade and throughout South Florida, and we serve clients statewide.<\/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 free first consultation is confidential and comes 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\">Support You Can Reach<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team, including our assistants and office staff, will help you understand the next steps and keep you informed.<\/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\">If Someone Is in Immediate Danger<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a family member is at risk of harm right now, call 911 or your local emergency number. A legal consultation is not an emergency response.<\/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\">Schedule 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\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/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 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\"><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 Petitions<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guidance on filing a Marchman Act petition for a loved one struggling with substance use, from the first call through the court process.<\/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 Matters<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plenary and limited guardianship petitions, handled with attention to the needs of the person and the family.<\/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\">Help with urgent court requests when a family member needs protection while a case is pending.<\/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 and Involuntary Commitment for Addiction<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representation in mental health guardianship and involuntary commitment matters connected to addiction.<\/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 About Your Family&#x27;s Options. Call (561) 849-4700 or Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation.<\/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<\/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<\/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\/insurance-coverage-involuntary-addiction-treatment-florida\/\">Does Insurance Pay for Involuntary Addiction Treatment in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/intervention-before-marchman-act-florida\/\">How to Start an Intervention Before Filing a Marchman Act Petition in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/intervention-or-court-petition-when-family-needs-lawyer\/\">Intervention or Court Petition: When a Family Needs a Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/intervention-vs-court-petition-addiction-florida\/\">Professional Intervention or a Court Petition? Choosing the Right Step in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/involuntary-addiction-treatment-attorney-florida\/\">Addiction Involuntary Treatment Attorney in Florida<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A spouse can ask a Florida court for help under the Marchman Act. Learn who may file, how the petition process works, and how to protect the children.<\/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\/husband-drinks-kids-home-marchman-act-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/internamiento-involuntario-adiccion\/esposo-bebe-hijos-casa-ley-marchman-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/husband-drinks-kids-home-marchman-act-florida\/\"}]","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\": \"Drug detoxification\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Drug_detoxification\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. 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