Marchman Act in Orlando

Helping Orlando Families Through Addiction Crises

Addiction reaches partners, parents, and children, and it can leave a whole family feeling stuck. Our Orlando Marchman Act attorneys help families take legal steps when a loved one cannot see the danger of their own substance use. Florida passed the Marchman Act in 1993 to give families a way to act: a court process for assessment, stabilization, and treatment when someone refuses help.

The Marchman Act and Orange County

The Marchman Act in Orange County

Orange County has made real progress against the overdose crisis, but the danger has not gone away. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Medical Examiner’s Office reported 341 accidental overdose deaths in 2024, down from 490 in 2023 and a peak of 538 in 2021. Behind each of those numbers is a family that wishes they had acted sooner.

Many Orlando families are new to Central Florida and far from longtime support, so they often do not know they have legal options. Robinson and Casey helps Orange County families understand the Marchman Act and use it to get a loved one into care. Petitions are filed in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Orange County.

Understanding the Law

What the Marchman Act Does

The Marchman Act lets families ask a court to order help for a person who has lost control of their substance use. It serves people who:

  • Can no longer control how much they use
  • Cannot make clear choices because of chemical dependence
  • Are a danger to themselves or to others

Once a petition is accepted, the person is evaluated, and a judge decides what happens next.

Substances the Law Covers

The Marchman Act can apply to court-ordered treatment for many substances. As in much of Florida, opioids and fentanyl drive most overdose deaths in the Orlando area, but the law also covers:

  • Alcohol

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Cocaine

  • Crack

  • Heroin

  • Inhalants

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Opioids

  • Over-the-counter medication

  • Methamphetamine

Acting early, with experienced legal help, improves your loved one’s odds of recovery.

Legal Criteria

When a Court Can Order Treatment

A judge orders treatment only when the case clears a firm standard:

  • Clear proof the person may harm themselves or others
  • Good reason to believe they cannot recognize their need for help

Repeated DUI arrests, for instance, can show the court real danger. Most families file only after other efforts fall short.

Eligibility

Who Can File a Petition

You need a close link to the person: a spouse, legal guardian, or relative. Three adults with direct knowledge of the addiction can file together. When no close contact exists, an employer, doctor, teacher, or law enforcement officer may file an emergency petition. Our attorneys can also walk you through the Marchman Act process step by step.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Petitions are filed in the county where your loved one is located. For Orlando, that is the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Orange County. We handle the filing for you.

There is no court filing fee for a Marchman Act petition. Costs involve attorney fees and any related services. We explain pricing clearly before you begin.

An involuntary treatment order can run up to 90 days, and the court can extend it if more care is needed. The exact length depends on the assessment and the judge.

Yes. A parent is a relative under the law and can file for an adult child struggling with addiction. This is one of the most common situations we see.

If the person does not follow the court’s order, the court can enforce it through legal steps. We help families handle enforcement when it comes up.

Urgent Situations

Free Emergency Consultation

A crisis moves fast, and so do we. Trust our experience and our commitment to help you protect the people you love.