24/7 Crisis Legal Hotline — Call (407) 930-8912 Immediate help for families facing Baker Act & Marchman Act situations

Your loved one was Baker Acted. We know exactly what to do next.

Florida’s dedicated legal resource for families navigating Baker Act and Marchman Act situations. Immediate legal guidance from attorneys who focus on this practice area — available around the clock, statewide.

Legal Representation Provided By ◆ SMITH & EULO LAW FIRM ◆ Statewide Florida

Understanding the Baker Act — in Plain Language

The Baker Act (Florida Mental Health Act) allows a person to be held involuntarily for up to 72 hours for mental health evaluation when they are believed to be a danger to themselves or others. A judge, law enforcement officer, or qualified professional can initiate the hold.

The Marchman Act is the parallel process for substance abuse — allowing families to petition for an evaluation and, in some cases, court-ordered treatment for a loved one who cannot recognize the need for help themselves.

Both processes are complex, time-sensitive, and emotionally overwhelming. Families have rights, patients have rights, and the difference between the right legal action within 24 hours and doing nothing can change everything.

How We Help Families in Crisis

Emergency Baker Act Release

Time-sensitive representation to challenge an involuntary hold and pursue immediate release when the criteria for continued detention are not met.

Marchman Act Petitions

Guidance for families seeking court-ordered assessment and treatment for a loved one struggling with substance abuse who refuses voluntary help.

Emergency Petitions & Extensions

Handling extended commitment hearings, involuntary placement petitions, and appeals when the initial 72-hour hold is escalating.

Family Advocacy & Support

Straight answers about visitation, medical decisions, records access, and what to expect at every stage of the process.

What Happens When You Call

01 · Immediate Triage

A trained legal professional answers 24/7, listens to your situation, and identifies the most urgent action — usually within minutes.

02 · Attorney Callback

For time-sensitive cases, an attorney contacts you the same day to discuss release strategy, emergency appeals, and next steps.

03 · Action Plan

A clear, written path forward — what will happen at the facility, what filings are needed, and how we advocate at every hearing.

Questions Families Ask Us First

My child was Baker Acted — what do I do right now?

First: take a breath. You have more control than you think. Call our hotline so a professional can walk you through the next 24 hours — including where they are being held, when they can be evaluated, and what your rights are as a parent or guardian. Acting within the first day is often the difference between a quick release and an extended commitment.

How long does a Baker Act last?

The initial involuntary examination is up to 72 hours. Within that window, a receiving facility must evaluate the person and either release them, obtain voluntary consent for continued care, or petition the court for involuntary placement (which can extend the hold significantly). Legal representation during that 72-hour window matters enormously.

Can I visit or communicate with them?

Generally yes, but facilities set visitation rules and can restrict contact for clinical reasons. As family, you may also have questions about medical decisions and records access — the answers depend on the patient’s age, capacity, and any healthcare surrogate designations. We help families understand exactly what they are and are not entitled to.

What is the difference between the Baker Act and the Marchman Act?

The Baker Act addresses involuntary examination and treatment for a mental health crisis. The Marchman Act addresses substance abuse — allowing families to petition the court to compel assessment and, if warranted, treatment for a loved one who cannot recognize the need for help. The processes overlap but have very different filings, timelines, and outcomes.

Do you represent people at any Florida facility?

Yes. We regularly work with cases at Central Florida Behavioral Hospital, University Behavioral Center, Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and receiving facilities across the state. Statewide coverage is a core part of what makes the Florida Baker Act Center different.

What does representation cost?

Fees depend on the specific situation and stage of the process. Our initial consultation is free — you will get a clear picture of the likely path forward and what representation would involve before you commit to anything.

When you reach out, you will get:

A live human on the phone — not a call center, not voicemail.
A clear read on what's likely to happen in the next 24 hours.
Guidance you can act on immediately — whether or not you retain us.
Complete confidentiality. Nothing you share leaves this conversation.

Request a Confidential Consultation

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Every hour matters. Talk to us now — day or night.

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Communications through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship. If this is a medical emergency or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.