Should You Call A Family Crisis Intervention Law Firm Or An Interventionist First?
When a loved one’s addiction is spiralling out of control, you may feel ill-equipped to deal with the situation. Whether they’re abusing prescription drugs, are an alcoholic, or compulsively gamble, addiction can have devastating consequences both for your loved one and for you and other family members. It is essential you act quickly to get them the help they need and limit any further damage to their physical health, relationships and livelihood. However, knowing where to begin can be challenging. While you may consider contacting an interventionist, consulting with a law firm that specializes in family crisis intervention has many distinct advantages.
What Is An Intervention?
An intervention is essentially a process where loved ones and friends of an addict gather to confront them about their addiction and the impact it is having on their own life and the lives of those around them. During an intervention, the participating individuals will speak of their concern for the addict, describe how their destructive behaviors are affecting those around them, and propose a plan for treatment. Typically, everyone who is gathered for the intervention will request that the person accepts help and enters rehab, and will each outline the consequences for the addict if they do not enter treatment.
An intervention is a very delicate moment in a person’s journey to recovery, and must be planned properly and handled with care. Depending on your loved one’s circumstances, a family crisis intervention law firm may be best placed to help you through this process.
What Is The Role Of An Interventionist?
Many families find the prospect of an intervention daunting and are unsure where to begin. A professional interventionist can help you to plan and execute an intervention, including assessing whether an intervention is necessary, helping you to prepare what you will say, putting together a treatment proposal for your loved one to consider, and facilitating the actual intervention meeting when it occurs. Having an interventionist to help your family navigate these complex and emotionally sensitive conversations can be incredibly useful, especially because they are a neutral third party who can diffuse any tensions or negative reactions which arise.
What Is A Family Crisis Intervention Law Firm?
A law firm specializing in family crisis intervention can play a similar role as an interventionist, but with the added advantage that the firm’s personnel will be able to assist you with certain legal procedures which may follow from an intervention. Generally, professional interventionists are not qualified attorneys, and while they may be able to help you facilitate an intervention meeting, they will not be able to help you ensure that your loved one enters treatment at a dedicated treatment facility.
If, following an intervention, your loved one is still refusing to attend rehab, you will need a crisis intervention law firm to help your family through the next steps. A law firm with experience in interventions and mental health and addiction law will be able to help you assess potential options for your loved one’s treatment before the intervention meeting even takes place, meaning you will be well prepared for any outcome.
How Can An Intervention Law Firm Help Families In Crisis?
Many people are unaware that lawyers have an essential role to play in efforts to help those struggling with addiction to begin the journey to recovery. In fact, attorneys with experience in mental health and addiction law can provide invaluable assistance at multiple stages of the intervention process.
1) Assessing your loved one’s circumstances
First, your attorney will consult with you and your family in detail to gain an understanding of the nature of your loved one’s addiction and whether an intervention is suitable in the circumstances. Sometimes, when a person is in the grips of addiction, an intervention is only likely to inflame the situation further, and it may be more appropriate for you to begin a Marchman Act process immediately. Whatever you decide, knowing that you have received legal advice from an experienced attorney will go a long way to giving you peace of mind that you have acted in your loved one’s best interests.
2) Facilitating a Marchman Act intervention
A law firm with expertise in family crisis intervention will play a crucial role in facilitating your loved one’s admission into a treatment facility using the Marchman Act. The Marchman Act sets out a process in terms of which a concerned family member can petition the court to request that their loved one be involuntarily admitted to a rehabilitation facility to undergo an assessment for a substance use disorder. The petitioner will have to include evidence in their petition that demonstrates that their loved one is experiencing mental impairment as a result of their substance use, and because of this impairment, they have (i) lost the power of self-control with respect to their substance use, are (ii) unable to appreciate that they require treatment, and (iii) are at risk of suffering harm or harming others.
Preparing a Marchman Act petition is complex, and requires a great depth of legal skill and knowledge. An experienced crisis intervention lawyer will be able to take care of each step of the petition process, from drafting the petition and gathering the relevant evidence to representing your family at the court hearing.
3) Preparing temporary guardianship petitions
If your Marchman Act petition is granted and the facility’s medical personnel determine that your loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, your loved one can be admitted to the facility to complete a rehabilitation program. During this time, your loved one will likely be unable to take care of their personal affairs, and it may be necessary for a temporary guardian to be appointed to manage their affairs in their stead until they complete treatment. A family crisis intervention lawyer can help you to assess whether temporary guardianship is suitable in your loved one’s case, and can prepare a petition on your behalf should this be necessary.
Florida’s Leading Marchman Act Attorneys Are Here To Help You Get Your Loved One On The Road To Recovery
Confronting a loved one about their addiction can be an incredibly stressful and emotionally challenging process, and it can be difficult to know which course of action will ultimately be in your loved one’s best interests.
Astor Simovitch is a leading Florida law firm specializing in family crisis interventions, and our compassionate Marchman Act attorneys are on standby to help you through this challenging period. With our dedicated mental health and addiction lawyers advising your family throughout the intervention process, you can rest assured that your loved one’s long-term well-being will be protected.
For exceptional mental health and addiction law support, contact our offices today at 855-429-0074.