{"id":7007,"date":"2026-10-17T16:10:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T16:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T14:35:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:35:26","slug":"who-can-file-marchman-act-petition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Force an Adult to Rehab in Florida? Marchman Act"},"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-70 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 decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"Judge in a black robe sits behind a courtroom bench with a serious expression.\" src=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/judge-in-a-black-robe-sits-behind-a-courtroom-bench-with-a-s-photo.jpg\"\/><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 &amp; Guardianship<\/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:+15618494149\">Schedule a Free Consultation: (561) 849-4149<\/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 a Free Consultation: (561) 849-4149<\/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\">By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Can You Force an Adult to Rehab in Florida? Marchman Act Guide<\/h2>\n<p>In most circumstances, no\u2014you cannot unilaterally force an adult into addiction treatment. However, Florida law provides a court-supervised process called the Marchman Act that allows certain people to petition a court for <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12282872\/\">involuntary commitment<\/a> to addiction treatment. This page explains who has legal standing to file that petition and how the process actually works.<\/p>\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\/mazo-de-juez-sobre-escritorio-en-sala-de-tribunal-s-mbolo-de-photo-4.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a wooden gavel resting on a courtroom desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\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>Can You Force an Adult to Go to Rehab in Florida?<\/h2>\n<p>In Florida, adults generally cannot be forced into addiction treatment without a court order, except through the civil commitment process created by the Marchman Act.<\/p>\n<p>The key distinction is this: the <em>court<\/em> makes the decision to order treatment, not you. Your role is to present evidence to the court that statutory criteria are met. Under the governing Florida statute, the court may, in its discretion, order the respondent into treatment, and the outcome depends on the court&#8217;s findings and the circumstances of each case.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Can File a Marchman Act Petition?<\/h2>\n<p>Eligible petitioners include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Depending on the type of petition and the applicable provisions of Florida law, certain family members may be among those permitted to file a Marchman Act petition under Chapter 397, Florida Statutes. Other requirements may also apply, and the court decides based on the statute and the circumstances of each case. Other requirements may apply, and the court decides whether a petition may proceed based on the evidence and its discretion.<\/li>\n<li>Other requirements may apply, and the court decides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The petitioner does not need to be a lawyer\u2014but the petition must meet specific statutory requirements and be filed in the circuit court of the county where the respondent resides or is present.<\/p>\n<h2>What If Someone Doesn&#8217;t Want to Go to Rehab?<\/h2>\n<p>Refusal alone does not prevent a Marchman Act petition.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Substance abuse that poses a threat.<\/strong> The person&#8217;s substance abuse creates a substantial threat to their physical health, mental health, or safety\u2014or to the health or safety of others.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of self-control.<\/strong> Section 397.675, Florida Statutes, sets out the findings required for involuntary admission, which include more than the items described here, and other requirements may apply. The court decides.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If the court finds these criteria met, it can order the respondent into treatment regardless of their consent. The respondent has the right to be heard, to contest the petition in court, and to be represented by counsel appointed by the court.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I Force My Adult Child to Go to Rehab?<\/h2>\n<p>Under the Marchman Act, a parent of an adult child may be among the persons permitted to file a petition for involuntary services under \u00a7 397.695, Florida Statutes, though other statutory requirements also apply and the court decides whether a petition may proceed.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you might testify about specific incidents, changes in behavior, loss of employment, legal troubles, or health consequences. The court will examine the evidence you present and may order treatment if statutory criteria are satisfied.<\/p>\n<p>The same applies if you are an adult child seeking to file a petition for a parent, or a sibling seeking to file for a sibling. Florida law sets out who may petition and what the petition must show, and the court decides these questions based on the statute and the evidence.<\/p>\n<h2>Can You Put a Family Member in Rehab?<\/h2>\n<p>Through the Marchman Act process, yes\u2014but only if you have legal standing and can demonstrate that the criteria for involuntary commitment are met. Other family members (spouse, sibling, adult child) may also have standing to file.<\/p>\n<p>The critical point: <strong>the court, not the family member, makes the final decision<\/strong> to order treatment. You petition the court. You present evidence. The court holds a hearing. The respondent has the opportunity to contest your petition. Then the judge decides.<\/p>\n<p>This is distinct from voluntary admission, where the individual consents to treatment and enters on their own. Involuntary commitment through the Marchman Act is a court order, enforceable by law.<\/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\">Have questions about what happened?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.<\/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\">Talk to our team<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Talk to our team<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Understanding the Limits of Control<\/h2>\n<p>The Marchman Act provides the lawful mechanism to seek court-ordered treatment when voluntary options have failed or are unsafe. It is the proper channel for your concern.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is the Marchman Act?<\/h2>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0300-0399\/0397\/Sections\/0397.697.html\">Florida Statutes \u00a7 397.697<\/a>, when the court finds that the conditions for involuntary treatment services have been proved by clear and convincing evidence, it may order the respondent to receive involuntary treatment services from a publicly funded licensed service provider for a period not to exceed 90 days. The court decides based on the evidence and its discretion, and other requirements may also apply.<\/p>\n<p>The Act applies to adults and minors and covers alcohol and drug abuse. The process may begin with a petition filed in the circuit court, and a hearing may be held where evidence is presented, subject to the court&#8217;s schedule and discretion.<\/p>\n<h2>Court-Ordered Rehab and the Marchman Act Process<\/h2>\n<p>During this period, the respondent is evaluated by a qualified professional to determine whether the statutory criteria are met.<\/p>\n<p>A full hearing follows, where both the petitioner and respondent can present evidence and testimony.<\/p>\n<p>If the court finds the statutory criteria are met, it may order the respondent into treatment.<\/p>\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\/judge-signing-documents-at-desk-with-focus-on-gavel-represen-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A judge&#x27;s hand signs legal papers at a desk, with a gavel in sharp focus in the foreground.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who decides whether someone goes into treatment under the Marchman Act?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The circuit court judge, based on evidence presented at a hearing. The petitioner does not have unilateral authority; the court does.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can the respondent refuse treatment even after a court order?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Refusing a court order can result in contempt of court charges and other legal consequences. The order is enforceable by law.<\/p><p>Extensions are possible if the court finds continued need and the statutory criteria remain satisfied.<\/p><\/details><hr \/>\n<p>Robinson &amp; Casey handles Marchman Act petitions and can review your specific circumstances to advise you on standing, eligibility, and next steps. When a family member&#8217;s addiction threatens their health or safety, you don&#8217;t have to navigate this alone. <a href=\"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> to discuss your situation and explore whether a Marchman Act petition is appropriate for you.<\/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 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\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\">Want to know where you stand?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell us what happened and our team will walk you through the options available to you, at no cost.<\/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 review<\/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 review<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What Robinson Casey Handles<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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\">Guardianship Matters<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Help with guardianship proceedings, including emergency temporary, plenary, limited, and mental health guardianship.<\/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--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions Before You File<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear explanation of what the statutes provide, what the court considers, and what other requirements may apply to your situation.<\/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><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team keeps you informed and answers your questions throughout the process, subject to the court&#x27;s schedule.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\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\">Important Note<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court decides whether any Marchman Act petition or guardianship request is granted, based on the evidence presented and its own discretion. Timing and outcomes depend on the court&#x27;s schedule and the circumstances of each case. Other requirements may also apply.<\/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:+15618494149\">Call (561) 849-4149 to discuss your situation<\/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) 849-4149 to discuss your situation<\/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\">Matters We Focus On<\/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 Attorney<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representation and guidance for families considering a petition for involuntary treatment for 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\">Guardianship Attorney<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support for guardianship proceedings, including plenary and limited guardianship.<\/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\">Guidance on emergency temporary guardianship requests, which the court considers under the governing statute.<\/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\">Information on involuntary commitment for addiction and how it relates to the Marchman Act process.<\/p><\/div><\/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\">Start with a Free, Confidential First Consultation. There Is No Obligation to Continue.<\/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:+15618494149\">Call (561) 849-4149<\/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) 849-4149<\/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 | Florida Involuntary Commitment for Addiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/my-son-is-an-addict-what-can-i-do-to-help-them\/\">My Son Is An Addict What Can I Do To Help Them<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/marchman-act-petition-filing\/\">File a Marchman Act Petition in Florida | Step-by-Step Process<\/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\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition-florida\/\">Who Can File a Marchman Act Petition in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/who-pays-for-court-ordered-mental-health-treatment\/\">Who pays for court-ordered mental health treatment?<\/a><\/li><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\/can-an-alcoholic-be-involuntarily-committed\/\">Can an alcoholic be involuntarily committed?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Florida, you generally cannot force an adult into rehab without a court order\u2014except through the Marchman Act. Learn who can file and how the process works.<\/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\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/es\/abogado-ley-marchman\/quien-puede-presentar-peticion-marchman\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Robinson Casey\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/\"}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"headline\": \"Can You Force an Adult to Rehab in Florida? Marchman Act Guide\", \"keywords\": [\"Marchman Act petition Florida\", \"involuntary commitment addiction Florida\", \"court-ordered rehab Florida\", \"force someone into rehab Florida\", \"who can file Marchman Act petition\"], \"publisher\": {\"@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\"]}, \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who decides whether someone goes into treatment under the Marchman Act?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The circuit court judge, based on evidence presented at a hearing. The petitioner does not have unilateral authority; the court does.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can the respondent refuse treatment even after a court order?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Refusing a court order can result in contempt of court charges and other legal consequences. The order is enforceable by law.Extensions are possible if the court finds continued need and the statutory criteria remain satisfied.\"}}], \"description\": \"Comprehensive guide explaining Florida's Marchman Act, who has legal standing to file a petition for involuntary addiction treatment, and how court-ordered rehab works.\", \"dateModified\": \"2025-01-01\", \"datePublished\": \"2025-01-01\", \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Craig Robinson, Esq., MSW\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founding Partner\/CRO\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/about\/section\/profile\/?num=1023214\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/judge-in-a-black-robe-sits-behind-a-courtroom-bench-with-a-s-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@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\": \"Can You Force an Adult to Rehab in Florida? Marchman Act\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/marchman-act-attorney\/who-can-file-marchman-act-petition\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"In Florida, you generally cannot force an adult into rehab without a court order\u2014except through the Marchman Act. 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