By Joe Considine, Marchman Act Attorney –

Oct. 1, 2024 – “We had no idea…,” is a common lament among the devastated families who find their way to our law firm. Far too many are unaware that help for addiction exists in the form of a confidential civil court order for involuntary commitment to treatment. After exhausting all avenues of pleading, begging, or waiting for a loved one to hit bottom, many of our clients have been surprised to learn that Florida’s Marchman Act is often an effective form of intervention. 

For Marchman Act cases, neither the family (petitioners) nor their impaired loved one need to be residents of Florida. Out-of-state clients are relieved to learn that help is available in Florida. Far too few states have laws that offer help by way of involuntary commitment for substance abuse. The rising number of overdose deaths demands action from state legislatures. 

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