Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Do You Need Marchman Act Help?

The Marchman Act provides tools for families and friends dealing with a loved one who has substance abuse issues. Under the provisions of the act, friends or family members can take concrete steps to protect an individual who is incapable of making care decisions due to his or her use of alcohol or drugs. The Marchman Act allows concerned individuals to petition the court for an order to compel the individual to enter into court-ordered assessment and treatment of his or her substance abuse issues.

What You Need to Know About the Marchman Act
If you have a family member, friend or loved one who has lost control of his life because of his addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may be able to use the provisions of the Marchman Act to compel him to seek and adhere to treatment. The Marchman Act empowers a judge to impose court-ordered addiction rehab and treatment services under the threat of serious penalties if the individual ordered to attend assessment and rehab services fails to comply with the court order.

Who Can File a Marchman Act Petition?
If the person with the substance abuse problem is a child, the petition for services may be filed by a parent, a legal guardian or a licensed service provider. If the individual is an adult, the following people can petition for court-ordered addiction rehab services: a spouse, a guardian, any relative, a private practitioner, a director of a licensed service provider or designee or any three adults with personal knowledge of the individual’s substance abuse.

What Do I Need for a Marchman Act Petition?
You’ll have to appear in person at the clerk’s office to file an affidavit and petition for assessment and treatment, and will have to present information about the person’s behavior, identification and location. If you need help assembling the information you need and writing an affidavit, there are a number of lawyers and organizations that can provide assistance.

The Marchman Act provides the tool many families need to get help for a family member or loved one who has become a danger to himself and/or the community. You don’t have to stand by helplessly and watch. There are people out there who can help you get the help you need.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Is Court-Ordered Alcohol Addiction Assessment the Right Move?

There are few things more difficult in life than watching a loved one destroy him or herself through alcohol and drug addiction. If you live in Florida, there is something you can do. The Marchman Act provides the means for a family member to compel a substance abuser to get a court-orderedalcohol addiction assessment, the first step on the road to recovery. Is legal intervention the right next move for your loved one? This information about the Florida Marchman Act can help you make a decision.

The Florida Marchman Act
The Marchman Act allows friends or family members of a substance abuser to petition to court to obtain a court-ordered assessment, stabilization and long term treatment for substance abuse. It can help those who have no self-control over their substance abuse, who cannot make rational decisions about their own care and who have because a danger to themselves and others. The Marchman Act provides a tool for parents, brothers, sisters and other family members who can’t stand by and watch loved ones destroy their lives and the lives of those around them. It is the tool of last resort to help those who refuse to voluntarily enter into treatment for substance abuse.

Help with Marchman Act Court Ordered Alcohol Addiction Assessment
Making the decision to seek a court-ordered alcohol/addiction assessment is not an easy thing to do. There is paperwork to file, evidence that must be presented and follow up services to oversee. In Palm Beach County, Marchman Act attorneys can help you make a Marchman Act application and ensure that everything from the initial assessment to final disposition is carried out in full compliance with the law. The right attorneys can help you with every aspect of the Marchman Act compliance, as well as assist your family with finding appropriate and affordable treatment options.

Don’t sit by and watch your loved one slide further down the slope to self-destruction. Contact a Palm Beach County Marchman Act attorney to help you access the tools provided by law. A court-ordered alcohol addiction assessment and treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction can be the first step on the road to recovery.