{"id":5239,"date":"2026-10-11T02:23:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T02:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petitioner-attorney-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T08:18:32","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T08:18:32","slug":"marchman-act-petitioner-attorney-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petitioner-attorney-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Petitioner Attorney Florida | Robinson Casey"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"min-height:420px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-50 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"marchman act petitioner attorney florida\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/attorney-in-a-dark-suit-sits-with-a-client-at-a-conference-t-photo.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container\"><\/div><\/div>\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h1>Marchman Act Petitioner Attorney Florida | Robinson Casey<\/h1>\n<p>A Marchman Act petition asks a Florida court to order an assessment and, if the legal conditions are proven, treatment for a person with substance abuse impairment. Robinson &amp; Casey is a Marchman Act petitioner attorney Florida families can contact. The firm limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters and serves families across South Florida and statewide.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Marchman Act Is and Who May File a Petition<\/h2>\n<p>The Marchman Act is Florida&#8217;s process for people whose substance use impairs their judgment or self-control. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68112.html\">\u00a7 397.68112<\/a>, an adult&#8217;s spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the person&#8217;s impairment and treatment history may file. For a minor, a parent, legal guardian, or service provider may file.<\/p>\n<p>The Marchman Act is often compared to the Baker Act:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Baker Act:<\/strong> mental health conditions, under Chapter 394.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some people have both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. Other requirements also apply, and this guide doesn&#8217;t list them all.<\/p>\n<h2>Steps Involved in Filing a Marchman Act Petition<\/h2>\n<p>A petition goes to the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located. For families in Miami-Dade, that is where the person physically is, which may differ from where the family lives. 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\">\u00a7 397.681<\/a>, the clerk may not charge a fee to file it. If a petition is filed in the wrong county, how that is handled depends on the applicable law, the circumstances of the case, and the court&#8217;s discretion.<\/p>\n<p>Under <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>, the petition must name the person and the petitioner, state their relationship, and name the person&#8217;s attorney if known. It must also state facts showing why the petitioner believes the person is impaired and has lost self-control. Those facts must show either a risk of physical harm or judgment so impaired the person cannot make a rational decision about care. A report from a qualified professional who examined the person within 30 days before filing may be attached. If there was no assessment, the petition must say so.<\/p>\n<p>After filing, <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> says the court must decide whether the person has a lawyer or should have one appointed. The statute also says the court schedules a hearing within 10 court working days, unless it grants a continuance.<\/p>\n<p>What evidence matters depends on your facts and on what the court chooses to hear.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens at a Marchman Act Hearing<\/h2>\n<p>A hearing is where the judge reviews the petition, takes testimony, and weighs the evidence under the statute. The respondent generally must attend. Under <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>, the court may excuse attendance only if the respondent knowingly waives it, or if presence is inconsistent with the person&#8217;s best interests or likely to be injurious. The court hears relevant evidence, including testimony from family members familiar with the person&#8217;s history.<\/p>\n<p>Testimony is taken under oath, and the proceedings are recorded. The respondent may refuse to testify. The statute also bars an involuntary order without a clinical assessment, unless the respondent is present and expressly waives it.<\/p>\n<p>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\">\u00a7 397.681<\/a>, a respondent has the right to counsel at every stage. A respondent who cannot afford private counsel has the right to court-appointed counsel.<\/p>\n<p>Hearing dates, attendance, and rulings depend on the court&#8217;s schedule and discretion. Having a lawyer does not decide what the court orders.<\/p>\n<h2>Possible Court Orders and Treatment Outcomes<\/h2>\n<p>If the court finds the conditions proved by clear and convincing evidence, it may order involuntary treatment for a period not to exceed 90 days, 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\">\u00a7 397.697<\/a>. The court may order care from a publicly funded provider. It may also order a privately funded provider if the person can pay, or if someone acting for the person voluntarily shows willingness and ability to pay. The court keeps jurisdiction to enter further orders.<\/p>\n<p>In an emergency, <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> says the court may rely on the petition alone and enter an ex parte order for assessment and stabilization, without appointing an attorney first. A provider may not hold the person for more than 72 hours of observation unless listed exceptions or a court order apply. Under the same section, if the person still has not been assessed after 90 days, the statute says the court must dismiss the case.<\/p>\n<p>A court order is the court&#8217;s decision, not a promise of any treatment result. We can&#8217;t predict how a particular court will rule.<\/p>\n<h2>Costs and Fees for Filing a Marchman Act Petition<\/h2>\n<p>Filing with the clerk carries no clerk fee 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\">\u00a7 397.681<\/a>, but other costs can arise.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Service of process fees:<\/strong> For an indigent petitioner, the court may prohibit these fees, or a law enforcement agency may waive them (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.68112.html\">\u00a7 397.68112<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment costs:<\/strong> Before admission, the full charge and the individual&#8217;s fee must be disclosed. Individuals contribute according to ability to pay, unless otherwise provided by law (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.431.html\">\u00a7 397.431<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Attorney fees:<\/strong> We disclose our fees in writing before we&#8217;re engaged, so you know what you may owe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Total costs vary with the case and the services the court orders. Ask us about fee terms when you call.<\/p>\n<h2>How Robinson Casey Helps Petitioners<\/h2>\n<p>Robinson &amp; Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. As a Marchman Act petitioner attorney Florida families can call, we focus on the petition, the hearing, and the steps that follow. Our help may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Walking you through the petition process<\/li>\n<li>Reviewing the facts and records you already have<\/li>\n<li>Communicating with the court and other parties as the matter allows<\/li>\n<li>Representing the petitioner at hearings, as the court permits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Representation does not determine the outcome. The court decides based on the statute and the evidence. We can&#8217;t promise results or timing.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes a matter may be referred to another lawyer or firm. If that happens, we&#8217;ll tell you.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Marchman Act Petitions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are the legal requirements for involuntary commitment in Florida?<\/summary><p>Florida&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.675.html\">criteria for involuntary admission<\/a> start with whether there is good faith reason to believe that the person is substance abuse impaired or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder, and the statute lists further requirements that also apply. Other requirements also apply, and the court decides each case.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What happens at a Marchman Act hearing?<\/summary><p>The judge reviews the petition and evidence. The respondent generally must attend unless the court excuses attendance, and testimony is taken under oath.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the Marchman Act cost money?<\/summary><p>The clerk may not charge a filing fee under \u00a7 397.681. Service, treatment, and attorney costs can still apply.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I file for an adult child who denies having a problem?<\/summary><p>Discussing your facts with us can help you choose your next step.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need an attorney to file?<\/summary><p>The statute gives a respondent the right to counsel. Whether you hire a lawyer is your decision, and a consultation can help you weigh it.<\/p>\n<p>If someone you love is struggling with substance use and you&#8217;re thinking about a petition, you don&#8217;t have to face it alone. Call (561) 849-4149 or <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">request a consultation<\/a> to talk through your situation.<\/p><\/details><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.<\/em><\/footer>\n<\/article>\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\/marchman-act-vs-guardianship-addicted-adult-florida\/\">Marchman Act vs Guardianship for an Addicted Adult in Florida: Comparison<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-vs-voluntary-treatment\/\">Marchman Act vs. Voluntary Addiction Treatment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/mejores-abogados-de-involuntary-commitment-for-addiction-en-south-florida\/\">Mejores Abogados De Involuntary Commitment For Addiction En South Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/national\/\">National<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/out-of-state-loved-one-marchman-act-florida\/\">Loved One Lives Out of State: Using Florida&#x27;s Marchman Act From a Distance<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marchman Act petitioner attorney in Florida. Learn who may file, how the petition and hearing work, possible costs, and how to book a consultation.<\/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-petitioner-attorney-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/internamiento-involuntario-adiccion\/ley-marchman-abogado-peticionario-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petitioner-attorney-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"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\"]}, \"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\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the legal requirements for involuntary commitment in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Florida's criteria for involuntary admission start with whether there is good faith reason to believe that the person is substance abuse impaired or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder, and the statute lists further requirements that also apply. Other requirements also apply, and the court decides each case.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What happens at a Marchman Act hearing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The judge reviews the petition and evidence. The respondent generally must attend unless the court excuses attendance, and testimony is taken under oath.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the Marchman Act cost money?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The clerk may not charge a filing fee under \u00a7 397.681. Service, treatment, and attorney costs can still apply.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I file for an adult child who denies having a problem?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Discussing your facts with us can help you choose your next step.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need an attorney to file?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The statute gives a respondent the right to counsel. Whether you hire a lawyer is your decision, and a consultation can help you weigh it.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/marchman-act\/#faq\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"]}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/marchman-act\/#service\", \"name\": \"Marchman Act Petitioner Representation in Florida\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Marchman Act\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Florida Statutes Chapter 397\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adult family members (parents, spouses, adult children, siblings) concerned about a loved one's substance use in Florida\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"South Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Information and legal help for Florida family members and others who are considering or preparing a Marchman Act petition under Florida Statutes Chapter 397. Covers who may file, the general petition and hearing process, possible court orders, possible costs, and how to schedule a consultation. The court decides every case.\", \"serviceType\": \"Legal services for Marchman Act petitions and related guardianship matters\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Involuntary Commitment Addiction\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Marchman Act Petitioner Attorney Florida | Robinson Casey\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-petitioner-attorney-florida\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Marchman Act petitioner attorney in Florida. Learn who may file, how the petition and hearing work, possible costs, and how to book a consultation.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5239","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5239","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=5239"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5239\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7559,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5239\/revisions\/7559"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}