{"id":8400,"date":"2026-10-20T01:52:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/adult-child-denies-drinking-problem-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T01:52:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:52:53","slug":"adult-child-denies-drinking-problem-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robinsoncasey.com\/guides\/involuntary-commitment-addiction\/adult-child-denies-drinking-problem-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Child Denies Drinking Problem? Florida Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marchman Act & Guardianship | South Florida<\/p>

Your Adult Child Denies a Drinking Problem. You Still Need Options.<\/h1>

Robinson Casey focuses on Marchman Act petitions and guardianship matters for families in Miami-Dade, across South Florida, and statewide. Start with a free, confidential first consultation.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
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By Richard J. Casey III, Esq. \u00b7 Published October 19, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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If your adult child denies a drinking problem, you may feel stuck. You can see the harm, but they say everything is fine. Florida law gives families a court route when an adult will not agree to treatment. Yes, a parent can file a Marchman Act petition for an adult child in Florida. The law still requires specific facts, a hearing, and proof. This guide explains what to record, what to try first, and how the process works.<\/p>\n

Why an Adult Child Often Denies a Drinking Problem<\/h2>\n

Denial is common, and it doesn’t mean you misread what’s happening. Adult children often minimize drinking, shift blame, or insist they can stop anytime. Families hear the same lines again and again.<\/p>\n

You may notice a few patterns. Your child says it was only two drinks, when you know it was more. They say the drinking helps with stress. They blame a job, a partner, or a bad year. Each excuse may sound reasonable on its own. Together, they form a pattern you can describe.<\/p>\n

Your firsthand observations still matter. The adult may dispute your version, and that’s a normal reaction. A court doesn’t need the adult to agree with you before it looks at what you saw and heard. Florida’s standard focuses on whether the person has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance use. The statute also says that Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675<\/a> that mere refusal of services is not, by itself, evidence of lack of judgment with respect to the person’s need for such services. Fla. Stat. \u00a7 397.675 reads: “(b) Without care or treatment, is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself; that such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to his or her well-being; and that it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing, able, and responsible family members or friends or the provision of other services, or there is substantial likelihood that the person has inflicted, or threatened to or attempted to inflict, or, unless admitted, is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself, herself, or another.” A simple “no” isn’t the whole story. The record needs specifics.<\/p>\n

You are not asked to diagnose anything. Your job is to describe what you observed and what happened, with dates. Clinicians and the court do the assessment. Sticking to observations helps you stay grounded when emotions run high.<\/p>\n\n

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If your adult son or daughter still denies a drinking problem and your dated notes keep growing, you don't have to decide on a Marchman Act petition alone; reach out to Robinson Casey to talk it through. 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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Start a Dated Written Record Before You Talk to a Lawyer<\/h2>\n

Start a written log now, with dates, times, and specific events. Keep it factual and keep it in one place. For each event, write down:<\/p>\n