Marchman Act And Guardianship Attorneys In Jacksonville

Supporting a loved one who is battling substance use or experiencing a mental health crisis can be extremely challenging. Thankfully, Florida law has established a range of legal interventions that families of individuals struggling with substance use or severe mental illness can use to ensure their loved ones receive the support and treatment they need. These include a Marchman Act filing to compel a loved one to enter treatment and Guardianship. Families in Jacksonville are not alone – many in the community are turning to these legal tools as a way to protect their loved ones and connect them with the care they urgently need.

Behavioral Health cases require an attorney who will deliver exceptional legal services with the sensitivity and urgency that these difficult circumstances require. The highly qualified team of Marchman Act and guardianship attorneys at Astor Simovitch Law has helped hundreds of families to get their loved ones on the road to recovery by facilitating life-saving legal interventions with compassion and care. We are renowned for our responsiveness, deep knowledge of Florida behavioral health law, and outstanding client service. If your loved one is refusing treatment and you feel you have nowhere left to turn, our team is your first port of call.

Marchman Act Legal Help for Jacksonville Families

The Marchman Act is Florida’s primary legislation for supporting those with substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction. Navigating the Act’s complex provisions can be difficult for non-specialists, which is why the experienced team of Marchman Act attorneys at Astor Simovitch is here to guide you every step of the way.

What is the Marchman Act?

In essence, the Marchman Act allows the family member or friend of a person with a substance use disorder to file a petition with the circuit court, requesting a court order compelling their loved one to enter treatment. This petition is formally called a ‘petition for involuntary treatment services’. To bring a successful petition, you will need to show that your loved one is experiencing mental impairment due to substance abuse, and because of this impairment:

1. They can no longer exercise self-control over their substance use; and
2. They have refused treatment for a substance use disorder, cannot recognize that they require treatment, or are incapable of making a rational decision in this regard; or
3. There is a real risk that, without treatment, they will inflict harm on themselves or others.

How can our Marchman Act attorneys help you?

The Marchman Act is a life-saving legal tool that allows Jacksonville families to facilitate their loved one’s entry into a rehabilitation facility when they are refusing to enter treatment voluntarily. However, the courts enforce the Act’s criteria strictly, and a petition is only likely to be granted if it has been meticulously prepared and is accompanied by compelling evidence.

This is why the assistance of Astor Simovitch’s Marchman Act attorneys is indispensable if you are contemplating bringing a Marchman Act petition. Our team will consult with you about your loved one’s circumstances and help you to decide on a plan of action most appropriate for their needs. We will draft a comprehensive petition outlining why they require treatment, help you to collate a convincing body of evidence, and present compelling arguments in court. We will also liaise with court officials on your behalf, coordinate with treatment center representatives, and manage the logistics of your loved one’s entry into treatment, so that you can focus on providing them emotional support during this challenging period in their lives.

Guardianship Legal Support for Jacksonville Caregivers​​​

When a person is struggling with severe mental illness or addiction, they are often unable to look after themselves or manage their personal affairs. In these circumstances, a guardianship appointment may be necessary. Like Marchman Act filings, guardianship petitions have strict requirements that must be met for the petition to be granted. Our experienced guardianship attorneys can help you navigate Florida guardianship law and file a successful petition so that you can ensure your loved one’s best interests are well taken care of.

What is guardianship?

Guardianship authorizes one person – the guardian – to manage the ward’s affairs and make decisions on their behalf. One of the major advantages of a guardianship is that it can be tailored to meet the specific needs and circumstances of the ward. For example, if a ward only requires a guardian while they undergo treatment, a temporary emergency guardianship order can be obtained. If, however, a person is likely to require a guardian for the rest of their lives – for example, if they have a degenerative disease that is affecting their mental faculties, such as Alzheimer’s – then permanent guardianship will be more appropriate. Some guardianship arrangements only empower the guardian to make decisions concerning their ward’s finances or medical treatment, whereas other types of guardianship give the guardian full powers to make any decision that their ward ordinarily would have had the power to make for themselves.

The Benefits Of Hiring A Mental Health And Addiction Lawyer

After years of assisting families with Marchman Act filings and guardianship petitions, we have a deep understanding of the emotional turmoil and anxiety that can accompany dealing with a loved one’s substance use or mental illness. It can be difficult to confront the reality that someone you love is no longer able to look after themselves or make decisions in their own best interests, and you may be wondering whether compelling them into treatment or taking control of their personal affairs is the right decision.

With an experienced behavioral health lawyer guiding you throughout the process, you will have peace of mind that you are making the best decision for your loved one every step of the way. Your lawyer will help to assess your loved one’s unique needs, will prepare you for what to expect during legal proceedings, and will be on standby to answer your questions or help you deal with any issues that arise during your loved one’s treatment. With their steadfast legal support, you will be better equipped to support your loved one on their journey to recovery.

Experienced Jacksonville Marchman Act And Guardianship Attorneys Are Here To Help

Don’t face the challenge of helping a loved one to recover from addiction or a mental health crisis alone. Astor Simovitch’s dedicated mental health and addiction lawyers are here to help you navigate Florida’s Marchman Act and Guardianships so that you can ensure your loved one receives quality treatment that is tailored to their needs and gives them a genuine chance at recovery.