{"id":6210,"date":"2026-10-14T05:03:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T05:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-consultation-preparation-checklist\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T14:31:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:31:37","slug":"marchman-act-consultation-preparation-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/marchman-act-consultation-preparation-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Consultation Preparation Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Preparation<\/p>

Prepare for Your Marchman Act Consultation<\/h1>

Gather the facts, dates, and papers that matter before your first call with Robinson Casey. Our free first consultation is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>

Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 14, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Preparing for a Marchman Act consultation is easier when you know which facts, dates, and papers matter. This Marchman Act consultation preparation checklist gives you yes\/no tests to work through before your first call. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a>, a person meets the criteria for involuntary admission if 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, because of such impairment or disorder, has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse and meets one of the additional conditions listed in the statute. It is general information, not legal advice, and no result can be promised.<\/p>\n

Before You Start: What This Checklist Can and Cannot Do<\/h2>\n

This checklist is general information. It cannot tell you whether a petition fits your family or how a court will rule. Only a lawyer who reviews your facts can discuss how the law applies to your situation. Reading this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship.<\/p>\n

You may be reading this for a parent, spouse, or adult child. That can feel stressful and urgent. Working through the steps one at a time makes the situation easier to explain.<\/p>\n

The Florida rules on involuntary treatment for substance abuse appear in Chapter 397. Other requirements may also apply.<\/p>\n

To use the checklist, answer each yes\/no item, write your notes in plain words, and bring them to your consultation.<\/p>\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Step 1: Check Whether Your Situation Fits the Marchman Act<\/h2>\n

The Marchman Act covers substance abuse impairment. Start by asking whether alcohol or drugs are the core concern. Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a> sets out the criteria for involuntary admission, and it lists several conditions. The court decides whether those criteria are met.<\/p>\n