{"id":19757,"date":"2026-11-09T09:42:48","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T09:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options\/"},"modified":"2026-11-09T14:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T14:22:16","slug":"adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Attorney Florida: Adult Child Won&#8217;t Get Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-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-19756\" alt=\"Courtroom scene with a judge reviewing papers while a petitioner and attorney sit before the bench during a hearing.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/courtroom-scene-with-a-judge-reviewing-papers-while-a-petiti-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 | 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)\">Your Adult Child Refuses Help. You Don&#x27;t Have to Face It Alone.<\/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 represents families who need a court-supervised path to treatment for a loved one, and who need clear answers about what happens next.<\/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 9, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ve paid for treatment, tried interventions, and held firm on boundaries. Your adult child still keeps getting worse, and you&#8217;re looking for a legal way to get help.<\/p>\n<p>A Marchman Act petition is a request filed with a Florida court. It asks a judge to order an adult into assessment and treatment for substance use when the legal criteria are met. Florida law also lets a qualifying relative file one.<\/p>\n<h2>Why You Are Looking at This Right Now<\/h2>\n<p>A recent overdose, relapse, hospital stay, arrest, or disappearance can change everything in a single day. You may be asking, &#8220;My adult son won&#8217;t get help. What can I do in Florida?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re in this place, you may be afraid of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An overdose that ends in death<\/li>\n<li>Incarceration after a legal problem<\/li>\n<li>Homelessness when housing falls apart<\/li>\n<li>Losing hope that anything will work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Managing each crisis alone wears you down. You want a legal path into proper treatment, with people who understand addiction.<\/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 adult child keeps getting worse and you feel you&#x27;re carrying this alone, you don&#x27;t have to take the next step by yourself. Talk with our team about your family&#x27;s options. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wooden-gavel-on-desk-with-legal-folders-in-courtroom-setting-photo-12.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden gavel resting on a round surface beside folders on a courtroom table, photographed from above.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act Is and Who It Covers<\/h2>\n<p>The Marchman Act is Florida&#8217;s law for involuntary assessment and treatment of substance use.<\/p>\n<p>To qualify, a person must meet the criteria for involuntary admission. There must be a good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. Because of that impairment, the person must have lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a> sets out the full criteria.<\/p>\n<p>Refusal alone is not the whole test. The statute says mere refusal to receive services does not, by itself, show a lack of judgment about the need for services. <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;<\/p>\n<p>The Baker Act is a different Florida law. It deals with mental illness. The Marchman Act is the one built around substance use.<\/p>\n<h2>Can You File a Marchman Act Petition for an Adult Child?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, a relative can file. For an adult respondent, the petition may be filed by a spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person&#8217;s impairment and prior 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> sets out who may file.<\/p>\n<p>The petition must name both people and explain their relationship. It must also lay out the facts that show why services are needed. <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> lists what the petition must contain.<\/p>\n<p>If your child has not been assessed, or refused an evaluation, the petition must say so. A petition may also include a report from a qualified professional who examined the person within 30 days before filing.<\/p>\n<p>The facts you can document matter most. Helpful information often includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recent overdoses, emergency visits, or hospital stays, with dates<\/li>\n<li>Incidents where your child was a danger to self or others<\/li>\n<li>The pattern of use over time<\/li>\n<li>Treatment tried before, and what happened<\/li>\n<li>Names of any providers already involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How the Marchman Act Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The petition goes to the clerk of the court in the county where your adult child 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> also says the clerk may not charge a fee for filing the petition.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Review the facts.<\/strong> Write a timeline of recent events, with dates, places, and who was present.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gather records.<\/strong> Collect hospital, emergency, and treatment records you already have.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Counsel.<\/strong> Your child has the right to a lawyer at every stage. <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/247103\/opinion\/Opinion_02-547.pdf\">Hillsborough County v. Albrechta<\/a> held that this right rests on due process.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Emergency path.<\/strong> In an emergency, the court may enter an order for assessment and stabilization based on the petition alone. A provider may not hold the person for more than 72 hours of observation, unless a listed exception applies. <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><\/li>\n<li><strong>Assessment and hearing.<\/strong> A person generally cannot be ordered into treatment without a clinical assessment. The court shall hear and review all relevant evidence, including testimony from family members familiar with your child&#8217;s prior history. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6957.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6957<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timing depends on the facts of your case and the court&#8217;s calendar. No timeline can be promised in advance.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Marchman Act Petition Can and Cannot Do<\/h2>\n<p>The court keeps jurisdiction to monitor compliance.<\/p>\n<p>The court may then add up to another 90 days. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6975.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6975<\/a> covers renewal. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6971.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6971<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.6977.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.6977<\/a><\/p>\n<p>A petition cannot cure addiction. It cannot make your child stay in treatment, and it cannot promise a particular result. A court order is time-limited, so planning for what comes after matters.<\/p>\n<p>Guardianship is a separate court process.<\/p>\n<h2>How Robinson Casey Approaches Your Family&#8217;s Case<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson Casey is a Florida law firm for families who need a Marchman Act attorney. The firm focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. It serves families in Miami-Dade County, across South Florida, and statewide.<\/p>\n<p>Richard J. Casey III, Esq. is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm limits its practice to Marchman Act and guardianship matters, including involuntary commitment for addiction and emergency temporary guardianship.<\/p>\n<p>Our team includes support staff who help families gather records, keep dates in order, and track each step. Before any filing decision, the firm explains each step in plain language and reviews the facts honestly with you.<\/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>Questions Parents Ask Before Filing<\/h2>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long can a person be held under the Marchman Act?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under an emergency order, a provider may hold a person for no more than 72 hours of observation, unless a listed exception applies. A court-ordered treatment period can run up to 90 days.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the difference between the Baker Act and the Marchman Act?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Marchman Act deals with substance use. The Baker Act is a separate Florida law for mental illness.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does my adult child have to agree to be assessed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally, no court can order treatment without a clinical assessment. The exception is when the person is present in court and expressly waives it.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does refusing help mean my child doesn&#8217;t qualify?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not by itself. The statute says mere refusal is not, on its own, evidence of lack of judgment.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I file without a lawyer?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A qualifying relative may file. A consultation can help you understand your position before you decide.<\/p><\/details>\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-judge-writes-on-documents-beside-a-lady-justice-statue-in-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A judge writes on documents beside a Lady Justice statue in an office.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Take the Next Step Toward Getting Your Adult Child Help<\/h2>\n<p>Watching your adult child decline while you wait for the next crisis is exhausting. The next decision can feel urgent and heavy.<\/p>\n<p>A confidential conversation can cover your facts, your petition options, and the steps that follow. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n<p>Call (561) 849-4700 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">request a consultation<\/a> with Robinson Casey.<\/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 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\">Don&#x27;t Wait Until the Situation Becomes a Crisis<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Substance use can escalate quickly. Families who speak with a Marchman Act attorney early often have more options and a clearer picture of the process. Call (561) 849-4700 to talk through your situation.<\/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\">How Robinson Casey Can Help<\/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\">We prepare and file petitions for court-ordered assessment and treatment when an adult family member is struggling with 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\">We guide families through the court process for involuntary commitment for addiction, from the initial filing through the hearing.<\/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\">We handle guardianship petitions, including plenary, limited, and mental health guardianship, for families who need legal authority to protect a 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\">Emergency Temporary Guardianship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a loved one faces an immediate risk, we help families request emergency temporary guardianship and move quickly through the court.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Why Families Contact Robinson Casey<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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 our work centers on the legal issues families in these situations face.<\/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 Free Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential, and carries 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 for Families<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team, including our attorneys and support staff, works to keep you informed and to answer your questions at each step.<\/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 across Miami-Dade and South Florida, and we also assist families throughout Florida.<\/p><\/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 Richard J. Casey III and Our Team Today<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+15618494700\">Call (561) 849-4700 or 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\/\">Call (561) 849-4700 or 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\/marchman-act-attorney\/\">Marchman Act Attorney<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/brother-refuses-care-marchman-or-baker-act\/\">My Brother Refuses Psychiatric Care and Uses Drugs<\/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\/marchman-act-attorney\/after-marchman-act-order\/\">What Happens After a Marchman Act Order in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/after-marchman-act-order-florida\/\">What Happens After a Marchman Act Order in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/alcohol-withdrawal-home-marchman-act-florida\/\">My Husband Has Alcohol Withdrawal and Will Not Get Help: What Florida Law Offers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/ba-32-baker-act\/\">Ba 32 Baker Act<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/baker-act-302\/\">Baker Act 302<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Adult child won&#8217;t get help? Learn how a Florida Marchman Act petition works, what the court does, and how to talk with Robinson Casey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":14,"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\/marchman-act-attorney\/adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/abogado-ley-marchman\/hijo-adulto-empeora-opciones-ley-marchman\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Marchman Act Petition Guidance for Adult Children in Florida\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Marchman Act\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Marchman_Act\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Baker Act\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Baker_Act\"}], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Parents of adult children with substance use problems who are considering a court petition for assessment and treatment\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": {\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, \"description\": \"Plain-language guide to how a family member can petition a Florida court under the Marchman Act (Chapter 397, Florida Statutes) for assessment and treatment of an adult child with a substance use problem. Covers the petition process step by step, what a petition can and cannot accomplish, how the Marchman Act differs from the Baker Act, and how to arrange a free, confidential first consultation.\", \"serviceType\": \"Legal guidance on Marchman Act petitions for adult family members\", \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Involuntary commitment\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Involuntary_commitment\"}, {\"@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\": \"Mental disorder\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mental_disorder\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Due process\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Due_process\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Richard J. Casey III, Esq.\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/about-us\/#awb-oc__3614\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/about\/section\/profile\/?num=1012146\", \"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/robinsoncaseypllc\", \"https:\/\/youtube.com\/@robinsoncasey\", \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/robinson_caseypllc\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/robinsoncasey\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Craig Robinson, Esq., MSW\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founding Partner\/CRO\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/about\/section\/profile\/?num=1023214\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long can a person be held under the Marchman Act?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Under an emergency order, a provider may hold a person for no more than 72 hours of observation, unless a listed exception applies. A court-ordered treatment period can run up to 90 days.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between the Baker Act and the Marchman Act?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Marchman Act deals with substance use. The Baker Act is a separate Florida law for mental illness.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does my adult child have to agree to be assessed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Generally, no court can order treatment without a clinical assessment. The exception is when the person is present in court and expressly waives it.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does refusing help mean my child doesn't qualify?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not by itself. The statute says mere refusal is not, on its own, evidence of lack of judgment.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I file without a lawyer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A qualifying relative may file. A consultation can help you understand your position before you decide.\"}}]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Marchman Act Attorney\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Marchman Act Attorney Florida: Adult Child Won't Get Help\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/adult-son-worse-marchman-act-options\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Adult child won't get help? Learn how a Florida Marchman Act petition works, what the court does, and how to talk with Robinson Casey.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19757","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19757"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20753,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19757\/revisions\/20753"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}