{"id":6593,"date":"2026-10-16T02:25:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T02:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/how-long-is-a-baker-act-hold\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T14:48:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:48:45","slug":"how-long-is-a-baker-act-hold","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/how-long-is-a-baker-act-hold\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchman Act Attorney: How Long Florida Orders Last"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act & Guardianship Law | Robinson Casey<\/p>

Marchman Act Attorney: Understanding How Long Florida Orders Last<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses exclusively on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters. Learn how Chapter 397 orders work, what can affect their length, and how to talk with our team about your family's situation.<\/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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Robinson Casey limits its practice to Marchman Act and guardianship matters. In every case, the court’s schedule and discretion matter.<\/p>\n

Key Features of a Marchman Act Matter<\/h2>\n

Under Fla. Stat. \u00a7 394.455<\/a>, \u201cinvoluntary examination\u201d means an examination performed under s. 394.463, s. 397.6772, s. 397.679, s. 397.6798, or s. 397.6957 to determine whether a person qualifies for involuntary services. A Marchman Act matter is different.<\/p>\n

Keep that difference in mind when you read any timeline.<\/p>\n

Marchman Act involuntary admission turns on specific criteria. Under \u00a7 397.675<\/a>, a person meets the criteria if there is good faith reason to believe the person is substance abuse impaired, or has a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. The statute also requires that, because of that impairment or disorder, the person has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse. Other requirements also apply, and the court decides.<\/p>\n

Robinson Casey does not handle Baker Act holds. The firm limits its practice to Marchman Act and guardianship matters. If your question is about a Baker Act hold, we will say so plainly.<\/p>\n

This page is for adult family members who want to understand timing in a Marchman Act or guardianship matter involving a loved one.<\/p>\n\n

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If you're trying to understand these timelines for someone you love, we can talk it through with you. Call (561) 849-4149 for a free first consultation. 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\n
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How Long Marchman Act Timing Can Run<\/h2>\n

Marchman Act timing has no single length this page can promise. The statute sets criteria. How quickly a case moves depends on the court’s schedule and its discretion.<\/p>\n

If you’re gathering facts before a consultation, bring:<\/p>\n