Marchman Act Attorney Helping Florida Families

Watching someone you love disappear into addiction is one of the hardest things a family can go through. You have pleaded, bargained, and stayed up nights waiting for a call. You have offered help, and watched it get turned away. It is called the Marchman Act, and it can let you ask a court to order assessment and treatment for a person who cannot make that choice for themselves.

At Hutchinson & Huffman, P.A., attorney Rick Hutchinson helps families across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, and neighboring Martin and Broward counties, use the Marchman Act to get a loved one into care. We know you are not looking for a fight. You are looking for a lifeline. Our job is to handle the legal process quickly and clearly so you can focus on your family.

What the Marchman Act Does

The Marchman Act is Florida's law for involuntary assessment and treatment of a person struggling with a substance use disorder. In plain terms, it lets a spouse, a parent, other relatives, or a small group of adults who have direct knowledge of the person's condition ask a court to step in when that person cannot ask for help on their own.

A court can order treatment when someone has lost the power of self-control over substance use and, because of that, is either a danger to themselves or others, or is so impaired that they cannot understand that they need help. This is not about punishment. It is a health-driven process built to get a person assessed by professionals and, where appropriate, placed into treatment.

Every family's situation is different, but a Marchman Act case generally moves through a few steps:

• The petition. A qualified family member or group of adults files a petition for involuntary assessment and stabilization with the Clerk of Court. We prepare it with you so the facts are complete and accurate
• The court's review. The court reviews the petition and, if the criteria are met, can order the person to be assessed
• Assessment and stabilization. A licensed provider evaluates the person, confirms whether they meet the admission criteria, and places them in an appropriate treatment setting
• Treatment. If the assessment supports it, the court can order a period of treatment

We walk families through what to expect at each stage so there are no surprises. For a deeper look at eligibility and the petition process, see our guide to understanding the Marchman Act.

Why Families Work With Us

Rick Hutchinson has spent more than 25 years practicing law in Palm Beach County, on both the criminal and civil sides. That courtroom experience matters here, because a Marchman Act case runs through Florida's court system and moves on the court's timeline, not yours.

• We move quickly. Addiction does not wait, and neither do we.
• We keep it clear. You will always understand the next step and why it matters.
• We handle it with care. This is a family crisis first and a legal matter second, and we treat it that way.

Two Sides of the Marchman Act

Most of the families who call us want to help a loved one get into treatment. Some callers are on the other side of a petition, or as a person who believes a Marchman Act case has been brought against them without good cause. We are able to talk with you about either situation. The right approach depends entirely on the facts, and the first step is a confidential conversation.

You Do Not Have to Do This Alone

If addiction has taken the wheel and your loved one cannot see the cliff ahead, you still have options. The Marchman Act exists for families exactly like yours. Let us help you use it.

Request a confidential consultation or call (561) 838-9793. Our office is at 500 S. Australian Ave., Suite 600, in downtown West Palm Beach.