Can You Force Someone Into Rehab? How To Use Casey’s Law in Ohio

Yes, in limited circumstances. In Ohio, a spouse, relative or guardian can ask a county probate court to order involuntary addiction treatment under Casey’s Law (Ohio Revised Code 5119.90–5119.98). The family member must show the person is in imminent danger because of alcohol or drug use and can benefit from treatment, and must arrange treatment and guarantee its costs. Here is how the process works, what it costs, and what to try first.

This page is general information, not legal advice; talk with an attorney or your county probate court.

What Is Casey’s Law in Ohio?

ORC 5119.91 allows a probate court to order involuntary treatment for a person experiencing alcohol and other drug abuse. The statute does not use the name “Casey’s Law,” but that is how it is commonly known.

Under the statute’s definitions:

• Alcohol and other drug abuse means alcohol use disorder or drug addiction.
• Treatment includes residential treatment, halfway house settings, and intensive outpatient or outpatient levels of care.
• Danger or threat of danger means substantial physical harm, or the threat of it, to the person, their family, or others.

Who Can File a Casey’s Law Petition?

Only a spouse, relative, or guardian of the person may file the petition (ORC 5119.93(A)). Friends and roommates cannot file. The petition is a verified (sworn) document, and the statute requires it to be kept confidential except as the law requires.

Where Do You File?

The petition is filed in the probate court. County probate courts treat this as a matter for the county where the person lives; for example, the Huron County Probate Court states that the person must reside in Huron County for it to have jurisdiction. Before filing, call your county probate court to confirm where to file, which forms it uses, and whether any court cost deposit is due.

Ohio courts use a standard form, Supreme Court of Ohio Form 26.0, “Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse,” along with a Certificate of Physician and a Guarantee of Payment. Many county courts post instruction packets, and some state that court staff cannot help you fill out the forms.

What the Petition Must Show

To order treatment, the court must find that all three of these criteria apply (ORC 5119.92):

1. The person experiences alcohol and other drug abuse.
2. The person presents an imminent danger or imminent threat of danger to self, family, or others because of that abuse, or there is a substantial likelihood of such a threat in the near future.
3. The person can reasonably benefit from treatment.

The petition must include (ORC 5119.93):

• Your relationship to the person, and the person’s name, address, and current location.
• The facts behind your belief that the person has alcohol or drug abuse and presents an imminent danger. For opioid use, the petition must state whether the person has overdosed and been revived by an opioid antagonist (such as naloxone) one or more times, overdosed in a vehicle, or overdosed in the presence of a minor.
• A certificate from a physician who examined the person within two days before the petition is filed. If the person refuses the exam, the petition must say so.
• A statement that you have arranged treatment, plus a statement from the treatment provider confirming it has agreed to provide treatment and giving the estimated cost.

Who Pays? The Deposit and Guarantee

Casey’s Law places the financial responsibility on the family member who files. Under ORC 5119.93(D) and Form 26.0, the petition must be accompanied by one of the following:

• A security deposit with the probate court clerk covering half of the estimated cost of treatment;
• Documentation that the petitioner’s or the person’s insurance will cover at least half of the estimated cost of treatment; or
• Other evidence, to the court’s satisfaction, that the petitioner or the person can cover some of the estimated cost.

And the petition must include a signed guarantee obligating the guarantor to pay the costs of examinations, the hearing, and any treatment the court orders (or documentation that coverage will pay). The statute also provides that transportation costs by a sheriff, peace officer, or ambulance service are included in the treatment costs paid by the petitioner (ORC 5119.96). Some courts require all money at filing, and court cost deposits vary by county. To check your coverage, verify your insurance.

The Hearing Process and Timelines

1. Petitioner examined under oath. When the court receives the petition, it examines the petitioner under oath about the petition’s contents (ORC 5119.94(A)).
2. Probable cause and scheduling. If the court finds probable cause that the person may reasonably benefit from treatment, it schedules a hearing to be held within seven days (ORC 5119.94(B)).
3. Notice and rights. The person receives notice of the allegations, the hearing, and the right to an attorney, including court-appointed counsel at public expense if indigent. The person may also get an independent expert evaluation at their own expense.
4. Assessment. The person must be examined no later than 24 hours before the hearing by a qualified health professional for a drug and alcohol addiction assessment, and the professional certifies findings to the court within 24 hours of the exam (ORC 5119.94(C)).
5. Decision. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person may reasonably benefit from treatment, it orders treatment. If there is no probable cause or the petitioner withdraws, the case is dismissed (ORC 5119.94(D)–(E)).

If the person skips the examination, the court must issue a summons and may order a sheriff or peace officer to transport them (ORC 5119.96).

72-hour emergency hospitalization

Separately, when a qualified professional certifies that the criteria are met and the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person presents an imminent threat, the court may order hospitalization for up to 72 hours, after which the person must be released (ORC 5119.95).

What Happens After an Order, and How Long Treatment Lasts

The treatment order specifies the type of treatment and the required aftercare, which must be at least three months and no more than six months (ORC 5119.94(D)). The statute does not set one fixed length for the treatment episode itself; that depends on the order and the clinical plan, so check with your county probate court.

Failure to complete ordered treatment is contempt of court (ORC 5119.94(D)). County behavioral health boards give probate courts lists of providers willing to accept these patients (ORC 5119.97).

How Casey’s Law Differs From Other Court-Ordered Treatment

Civil commitment for mental illness (ORC Chapter 5122)

Ohio’s mental illness commitment law is a separate process. It addresses mental illness, defined as a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs functioning, and any person with reliable information or actual knowledge may file (ORC 5122.01, 5122.11). Casey’s Law, by contrast, is limited to alcohol and drug abuse, only a spouse, relative, or guardian may file, and the petitioner arranges and guarantees payment for treatment.

Intervention in lieu of conviction (ORC 2951.041)

Intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) is a criminal-court option. A person charged with an eligible offense may ask for ILC before entering a guilty plea if drug or alcohol use was a factor in the offense. If granted, the court places the person under supervision for one to five years with conditions such as abstinence, treatment, and random drug testing. Successful completion leads to dismissal of the charges. Casey’s Law, in contrast, is a civil case and does not require any criminal charge.

Specialized dockets and drug courts

Many Ohio courts run specialized dockets, such as drug courts, that combine judicial supervision with treatment. The Supreme Court of Ohio certifies these dockets under its Rules of Superintendence. Unlike Casey’s Law, they are not a family-initiated civil petition. Learn more on our court-ordered rehab page.

Practical Steps for Families

1. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
2. Try a voluntary path first. A planned conversation or a professionally guided intervention sometimes leads a person to agree to care. See our admissions page.
3. Call your county probate court to confirm location, forms, and deposits.
4. Gather what the petition needs: a physician exam within two days of filing (or proof of refusal), a provider’s written agreement and cost estimate, and your deposit or insurance proof plus the signed guarantee.
5. Consider an attorney. You are not required to have one, but the financial obligations are significant.

How a Treatment Provider Fits In

Because the petition must include a provider’s statement agreeing to treat and estimating cost, families usually contact providers before filing. The Recovery Village Columbus, at 3964 Hamilton Square Blvd in Groveport, is accredited by The Joint Commission and offers medical detox and residential treatment. Call admissions at (614) 362-1686 to ask whether we can accept a patient under a Casey’s Law order. We accept walk-ins 24/7, and same-day admission may be available when medically appropriate for people who choose treatment voluntarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a friend file a Casey’s Law petition in Ohio?

No. Ohio law requires the petitioner to be the person’s spouse, relative, or guardian (ORC 5119.93(A)).

How much does a Casey’s Law petition cost?

There is no single fee. The petitioner must provide a deposit of half the estimated treatment cost, proof that insurance covers at least half, or other evidence satisfactory to the court, and must guarantee the costs of examinations, the hearing, transportation, and ordered treatment. Court cost deposits vary by county.

How fast does the court act?

After examining the petitioner and finding probable cause, the court schedules a hearing within seven days.

How long can treatment be ordered?

The order includes aftercare of three to six months. Ask your county probate court about the length of the initial treatment episode.

What if my loved one refuses to go?

Failure to complete ordered treatment is contempt of court, and the court may order a sheriff or peace officer to transport a person who fails to appear.

Sources

1. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.90: Definitions.” Effective September 30, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.90
2. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.91.” Effective April 6, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.91
3. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.92.” Effective April 6, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.92
4. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.93.” Effective April 6, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.93
5. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.94.” Effective August 3, 2021. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.94
6. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.95.” Effective September 29, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.95
7. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.96.” Effective September 29, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.96
8. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5119.97.” Effective September 29, 2013. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5119.97
9. Supreme Court of Ohio. “Form 26.0 – Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.” Amended October 1, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/docs/LegalResources/Rules/superintendence/probate_forms/involuntary/26_0.pdf
10. Clermont County Probate/Juvenile Court. “Instructions for Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.” September 2021. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://probatejuvenile.clermontcountyohio.gov/media/Probate/Instructions_Packets/instructions-for-petition-for-involuntary-treatment-for-alcohol-and-other-drug-abuse-92021.pdf
11. Huron County Juvenile and Probate Court. “Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.” n.d. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://www.hcjpc.com/probate.php?id=14
12. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5122.01: Definitions.” Effective September 30, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5122.01
13. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 5122.11.” Effective April 6, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5122.11
14. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. “Ohio Revised Code Section 2951.041.” Effective September 30, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2951.041
15. Supreme Court of Ohio. “Supreme Court Specialized Docket Certification Procedures.” n.d. Accessed September 26, 2026. https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/services-to-courts/specialized-docket-section/certification-procedures/