Why Hire ARLS?

Common Questions:

Q: Can a Marchman Act be filled without hiring an attorney?

A: A Marchman Act can be filed without an attorney. However, an experienced attorney familiar with the Marchman Act can and will increase the success in obtaining assessment, stabilization and treatment.

Q: Why should I hire an attorney from Addiction Recovery Legal Services to file a Marchman Act Petition?”

A: The following are the top 6 concerns that unrepresented families will encounter, should they file a Marchman Act on their own, or, through any non-lawyer.

Reason #1:

When a Marchman Act petition is filed against someone, that person (the Respondent) will automatically be appointed a skilled trial attorney to represent them at the hearing before the judge. That attorney will be trained in the legal complexities and nuances of the Florida Marchman Act and rules of civil procedure. They will defend their clients vigorously and be arguing to have the petition dismissed by the court for any legal cause.

ARLS Solution:

The attorneys of Addiction Recovery Legal Services are former court appointed attorneys, who have handled thousands of Marchman Act proceedings; including defense work, and have a complete understanding of the rules of civil procedure; and, the legal complexities and nuances of the Florida Marchman Act. We make sure you enter the court system on a level playing field and are not at a disadvantage from the start. Your ultimate goal is to ensure the Marchman Act works and keeps your loved one in a treatment program for as long as necessary. The attorneys at Addiction Recovery Legal Services can ensure these results.

Reason #2:

When a Marchman Act petition is filed against someone ANY failure to legally comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure when filing OR enforcing a Marchman Act petition can result in the case being immediately dismissed, or, reset until all procedural legal rights are met.

ARLS Solution:

The attorneys of Addiction Recovery Legal Services have a complete understanding of the legal complexities and nuances of the Florida Marchman Act and rules of civil procedure. More so, Addiction Recovery Legal Services is a law firm and staff dedicated to filing AND enforcing Marchman Act petitions 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Remember, the Marchman Act is a legal process that is held to the same rules of procedure as any other legal matter.

Reason #3:

When a Marchman Act petition is filed against someone it will generally take a week or, more to have a court hearing scheduled just to hear the facts of the case.

ARLS Solution:

The attorneys of Addiction Recovery Legal Services are officers of the court and can through legal rules expedite court hearings; including, in urgent cases, having a court order signed by a judge and served by the sheriff in just 24 to 48 hours from filing. More so, our office has on staff a full-time court liaison, whose training and main duties are communicating directly with the Clerk of Courts, Magistrates, Judges and their Judicial Assistants (for both the Circuit and County Courts).

Reason #4:

When a Marchman Act petition is filed most people do not understand that further hearings and additional pleadings must be filed and done so in a timely manner. All hearings and pleadings are subject to court and statutory deadlines. It is the responsibility of the person filing a Marchman Act petition to meet any and all requirements and deadlines. Any failure to do will end in a dismissal or reset of the matter. In cases of dismissal, the process must start over from the very beginning. When dealing with the immediate, critical needs of an addicted loved one, families simply cannot risk the possibility of mistake or delay.

ARLS Solution:

Addiction Recovery Legal Services is a law firm with a full staff trained to address and fulfill both the requirements of the court and needs of their clients based on over a decade of Marchman Act experience dealing with addicted individuals. Addiction Recovery Legal Services recognizes that a team effort is essential in properly advocating for a Marchman Act petitioner with everyone performing a unique and specific duty to achieve the goals and results sought by our clients.

Reason #5:

Filing and enforcing a Marchman Act petition requires a full time commitment to monitor the case, monitor the respondent's progress and monitor compliance with treatment over a month to month period.

ARLS Solution

Addiction Recovery Legal Services is a law firm with an internal structure developed to shoulder the burdens confronting any family dealing with an addicted loved one who is resistant to both immediate care and extended treatment. The lawyers of Addiction Recovery Legal Services, and our experienced staff are at our client's disposal 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Reason #6:

When a Marchman Act petition is filed by a treatment center or other individuals claiming to have the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the legal system it is important to understand that they are not trained attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, further they are exposing families, as well as themselves, to the significant consequences of failure.

ARLS Solution:

The attorneys of Addiction Recovery Legal Services are licensed by the State of Florida and Florida Bar Association, and protected by legal liability insurance. They have years of experience to ensure success.