{"id":6555,"date":"2026-10-16T01:07:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T01:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-petition-filing-florida-cost\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T14:50:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:50:19","slug":"marchman-act-petition-filing-florida-cost","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-petition-filing-florida-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Petition Filing Cost in Florida: What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Petitions | Florida<\/p>

Marchman Act Petition Costs in Florida: Know What to Ask Before You File<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses exclusively on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. Learn what a petition may cost, which other charges can apply, and how a free, confidential consultation can help you plan.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation or Call (561) 849-4149<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 15, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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The cost of a Marchman Act petition in Florida has two main parts: the attorney fee and any separate costs the petitioner may owe. The clerk of the court may not charge a filing fee for the petition itself, under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.681<\/a>. Other costs, such as service and treatment charges, may still apply. Robinson Casey offers a free, confidential initial consultation with no obligation to continue. That meeting is the right place to ask about fees.<\/p>\n

What a Marchman Act Petition Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n

A Marchman Act petition<\/a> asks a Florida court to order involuntary treatment services for a person with substance abuse impairment. Involuntary admission for substance abuse is governed by Florida law<\/a>, and the court decides whether its criteria are met in each case. Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675, one criterion for involuntary admission is that the person has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse. Other requirements also apply, and the court decides whether they are met based on the evidence and its discretion. The court decides whether those criteria are met.<\/p>\n

For an adult, Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.68112<\/a> says a petition may be filed by the person’s spouse or legal guardian, any relative, a service provider, or an adult with direct personal knowledge of the impairment and prior treatment. Other requirements may apply. The court decides whether a petition goes forward.<\/p>\n

Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. This page covers only the cost questions that come up in those matters.<\/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>

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Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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What the Attorney Fee Covers<\/h2>\n

The attorney fee pays for the lawyer’s work on your petition. A written engagement agreement defines that work. The work typically includes:<\/p>\n