The Marchman Act is the process created through Florida Statute 397 that helps families and friends send a loved one to treatment when they refuse to go. We recognize the law can be difficult to understand. This website is designed to help the average person looking to help someone who is impaired by substance abuse.
Browse All ResourcesIt should be noted that the Marchman Act relies heavily on many external factors that can hinder the speed and probability of success for the average petitioner not represented by an attorney (pro se petitioner). While a petitioner may want...
Read MoreWithin ten (10) days of filing an Petition for Involuntary Treatment, a hearing must be held. If an emergency condition exists and is asserted in the petition, a decision is made ex-parte (without hearing) by the court based solely on...
Read MoreAs of July 1st, 2017, Florida Statute 397.6760 became effective making all petitions for involuntary assessment and stabilization, court orders, and related records that are filed with or by a court under 397 confidential and exempt from s. 119.071(1) and...
Read MoreSimply put – the answer is no. A petitioner is not required to be represented by counsel. A pro se petitioner can simply go to the clerk of court in the county where the respondent is located and seek to...
Read MoreThe Marchman Act is the process created through Florida Statute 397 that helps families and friends send a loved one to treatment when they refuse to go. We recognize the law can be difficult to understand. This website is designed to help the average person looking to help someone who is impaired by substance abuse.
View all resources