{"id":8367,"date":"2026-10-20T00:53:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T00:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/served-with-marchman-act-petition-respondent\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T04:42:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T04:42:44","slug":"served-with-marchman-act-petition-respondent","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/served-with-marchman-act-petition-respondent\/","title":{"rendered":"Served With a Marchman Act Petition in Florida: Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act Petitions | Miami-Dade and South Florida<\/p>

Served With a Marchman Act Petition? Understand Your Options.<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses exclusively on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families across South Florida and statewide. Speak with Richard J. Casey III, Esq. about your situation.<\/p>

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

By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 19, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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If you were served with a Marchman Act petition in Florida, someone has asked a court to order an assessment and possible treatment for substance use impairment. Being served does not mean a judge has decided anything. This guide explains what the papers mean, what rights you have, and what your options look like.<\/p>\n

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

A Marchman Act petition is a written request asking a Florida court to order involuntary treatment for a person whose substance use impairs them. At a hearing on a petition for involuntary treatment services, the court must hear and review all relevant evidence, including testimony from individuals such as family members familiar with the respondent’s prior history and the results of the assessment completed by the qualified professional. A petition must be filed with the clerk of the court in the county where the person is located.<\/p>\n

The person named in the petition is the respondent. Being named does not mean the court has ruled. The petition is a request. Before the hearing, the court may issue an involuntary assessment and stabilization order, and it decides whether to order involuntary treatment only after a hearing. In Miami-Dade County, the Clerk’s Office directs adult Marchman Act matters to its Probate Court. Miami-Dade Clerk mental health court page<\/a><\/p>\n\n

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If you were just served with a Marchman Act petition, you don't have to sort out these papers alone, and our team can talk with you in a free, confidential 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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What the Papers You Were Served With Mean<\/h2>\n

The papers must include a copy of the petition and a notice of the hearing, which must be provided to the respondent. A summons may also be issued for the person whose admission is sought.<\/p>\n

The petition must name you, name the petitioner, and state your relationship. It must also list the facts the petitioner relies on.<\/p>\n

Read the facts closely. The petition must explain:<\/p>\n