{"id":19748,"date":"2026-11-09T09:02:04","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T09:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-spouse-drinking-children-home\/"},"modified":"2026-11-09T14:22:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T14:22:23","slug":"marchman-act-spouse-drinking-children-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-spouse-drinking-children-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act for a Spouse Who Drinks at Home in 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-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-19747\" alt=\"Judge reviews involuntary commitment petition documents with counsel and the petitioner at a Florida courtroom hearing.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/judge-reviews-involuntary-commitment-petition-documents-with-photo-12.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 | 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)\">Marchman Act Help for a Spouse Who Drinks at Home<\/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)\">Learn how a Marchman Act petition works, what a judge reviews, and how your family can take a first step before the next crisis.<\/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 9, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>If your spouse drinks at home and your children can see it, the whole household can feel unsafe and out of control. Florida&#8217;s Marchman Act lets a family member ask a court to order a loved one assessed for substance abuse, and to order treatment when the legal criteria are met. Here is how the law works, what a petition must show, and what it cannot do.<\/p>\n<h2>Drinking at home with the children there: what you may be facing<\/h2>\n<p>A court can step in when drinking puts a household at risk, and Florida law has a process built for that situation. Families often describe a pattern. Work gets missed. Drinking starts before school drop-off or runs late into the night. A DUI, an emergency room visit or a serious fight leaves everyone shaken. Money gets tight because bills and drinking compete for the same dollars.<\/p>\n<p>Your details may look different from that pattern. This page offers general information about these matters. It does not review your facts, and it cannot tell you which path fits your family.<\/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\">When drinking at home has your family on edge, you don&#x27;t have to work out the next steps alone, and our team is ready to talk through your situation. 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\/judge-signing-documents-at-desk-with-focus-on-gavel-represen-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A judge signs court documents at a desk, with a gavel in focus.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act is and whether alcohol falls under it<\/h2>\n<p>The main rules sit in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.697.html\">Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The core test is in <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>. In plain terms, a court looks for three things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired and has lost the power of self-control over substance use.<\/li>\n<li>A need for services the person cannot see or act on, or a real and present threat of substantial harm from neglect or refusal of care. <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;<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.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;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The statute also says that refusing services, by itself, is not evidence of lack of judgment.<\/p>\n<h2>Who can file a petition and what it needs to show<\/h2>\n<p>A spouse can file a petition for an adult, along with a legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the impairment.<\/p>\n<p>The petition must name both people and their relationship. It must state the facts behind your belief that the person is impaired and has lost self-control. It must also show harm, or judgment so impaired the person cannot see the need for care (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68141.html\">\u00a7 397.68141<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Facts carry the case. Keep a factual log. Record the date, what happened, who saw it, whether the children were present, and any injury or police contact. Stick to what you saw and heard.<\/p>\n<h2>How the process unfolds, step by step<\/h2>\n<p>A Marchman case moves in a set order, and the statute sets deadlines at several points.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Filing.<\/strong> The petition goes to the clerk in the county where the person 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\">\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>, a petition for involuntary treatment must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Counsel and scheduling.<\/strong> The court decides whether the person has a lawyer. It sets a hearing within 10 court working days unless the hearing is continued (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68151.html\">\u00a7 397.68151<\/a>). <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> reads: &#8220;(2) The court shall schedule a hearing to be held on the petition within 10 court working days unless a continuance is granted.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Emergency orders.<\/strong> In an emergency, the court may rely on the petition alone and enter an ex parte order for assessment and stabilization (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6818.html\">\u00a7 397.6818<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>An assessment report must be filed with the court no later than the close of business on the day before the hearing (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6957.html\">\u00a7 397.6957<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment order.<\/strong> If the conditions are proved by clear and convincing evidence, the court may order up to 90 days of treatment (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.697.html\">\u00a7 397.697<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act does not do, and what to do now<\/h2>\n<p>The Marchman Act orders assessment and treatment. The court keeps authority to monitor treatment compliance after an order, but it can&#8217;t make sure your spouse finishes treatment.<\/p>\n<p>What you can do now:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the children&#8217;s routines and trusted adults in place.<\/li>\n<li>Plan safe exits for the children and yourself. Avoid confrontations while your spouse is drinking.<\/li>\n<li>Write down incidents as they happen, with dates, times and witnesses.<\/li>\n<li>Protect shared finances where you lawfully can, and keep records of bills and spending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Your fears, answered plainly<\/h2>\n<p>The law can&#8217;t remove every risk. It does give a court a route to assessment and treatment when the criteria are met.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Harm to the children.<\/strong> Immediate danger can call for 911. In an emergency, the petition must also describe the exigent circumstances and request an ex parte assessment and stabilization order. A petition asks a court to address the drinking and the harm it causes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Financial ruin.<\/strong> The clerk may not charge a filing fee for an involuntary treatment petition (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.681.html\">\u00a7 397.681<\/a>). Your other money questions can be discussed in a consultation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What if nothing changes.<\/strong> The household stays where it is. A petition is one structured path, but no outcome can be promised.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Losing the marriage and family.<\/strong> A Marchman petition is about the drinking and its safety effects.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carrying it alone.<\/strong> A first conversation can sort what is urgent from what can wait.<\/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>Why work with Robinson Casey on these matters<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. The firm serves families across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, and statewide. Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/p>\n<p>Support staff help families with intake, document organization and scheduling. The firm&#8217;s lawyers handle the legal work. Outcomes depend on the facts and on what the court finds at each stage. If your matter is better handled by another lawyer or firm, we will tell you so.<\/p>\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\/a-wooden-judge-s-gavel-rests-on-a-courtroom-desk-suggesting-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a wooden judge&#x27;s gavel resting on a courtroom desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can my spouse refuse help?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person can refuse, but refusal alone is not evidence of lack of judgment. The court decides on the evidence at the hearing.<\/p><p>Officers must use the least restrictive restraint available during transport (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.341.html\">\u00a7 397.341<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><p><strong>More questions readers often ask<\/strong>\nNo. Custody and divorce are separate court matters with their own rules.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is there a cost to talk with Robinson Casey?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p><p>If drinking at home has your household on edge and your children are watching, you don&#8217;t have to work out the next step alone. Call (561) 849-4700 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">schedule a consultation<\/a> to talk through what&#8217;s happening at home.<\/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 Call 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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Focused Practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters.<\/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\">Serving South Florida and Statewide<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent families in Miami-Dade and across South Florida, and we also assist clients throughout 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\">Free, Confidential First Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free and confidential, with 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--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plain-Language Guidance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain the petition process and the paperwork in clear terms so you know what to expect at each stage.<\/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\">Supportive Office Staff<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team helps with scheduling and questions, so you always know how to reach us.<\/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 your spouse is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical care, call 911 first. For questions about the court process, our team can talk with you by phone.<\/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\">Related 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\">Petitions asking a court to review whether a loved one needs assessment and treatment for substance use.<\/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 the court process when a family believes a relative needs involuntary treatment for addiction.<\/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 requests when a person needs a guardian quickly to protect their safety and property.<\/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, limited, and mental health guardianship petitions, handled with careful attention to each family&#x27;s circumstances.<\/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 Situation<\/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 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>\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><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-respondent-refuses-hearing-florida\/\">My Adult Child Refuses to Go to Court<\/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\/marchman-act-spouse-petition-florida\/\">Marchman Act Petitions Filed by a Spouse in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-stimulant-misuse-florida\/\">Stimulant Misuse and the Marchman Act: Adderall and Methamphetamine in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-timeline-addiction\/\">Marchman Act Timeline Addiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-treatment-order-not-followed-florida\/\">What Happens If a Person Doesn&#x27;t Follow a Marchman Act Treatment Order<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-treatment-outside-florida\/\">Can a Florida Addiction Commitment Order Cover Treatment Outside Florida?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your spouse drinks at home, the Marchman Act may offer a court route to assessment and treatment. Learn who can file, what a petition needs, and next steps.<\/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\/marchman-act-spouse-drinking-children-home\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/internamiento-involuntario-adiccion\/ley-marchman-conyuge-alcoholismo-hijos\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-spouse-drinking-children-home\/\"}]","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\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. 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