My son is 12, and I want to know what is the legal age to beable to leave him home for a couple of hours?
152069
I doubt there's a "legal age."  If there's any test, it's whether leaving him alone constitutes neglectful parenting.  Assuming he's of ordinary abilities and intelligence, a 12 year-old should be fine on his own during the day for one or two hours.  It's about the age I was when I was left alone the first time.
986935
Legally you can leave home at 18 since you are legally independent. I stress the legally, because unless you have a job or some other means of income, you are still totally dependent on your parents.
131488
Check with local probate court if there is such a legality.  If child is a very responsible person, might be okay, unless that child is babysitting babies.  You know your child better than anyone.  How long would parents be out?  Most children that age are too immature to be left alone.
591772
Depends on how old the child is.  I think here in Canada (Alberta), the "legal" age to leave a child is 12 years old (that is the "normal" age to start letting your child baby sit).
218454
This varies by jurisdiction.  Mine has no age description.  Use common sense and knowledge of your child's own abilities-including stranger danger.\n\nIf they're of school age, call the school.  They will know.
212557
In the UK the legal age is 16......
772009
The "boy"' is 19. Well over the age of consent.
509395
Legally I'd say 13.In Virginia thats the general age,but judges also take in consideration younger kids opinions sometimes.There are legal aid angencies you can contact to be sure.
407733
I don't know in TX, but in another States 12 is the age.  But check with an attorney or even better try to deal with your child.
1015212
I started baby sitting at the age of 12.  I haven't heard of a certain legal  age in Texas.  \n\nI would think that a parent could leave a child alone depending on the maturity level of that child  ..starting around 10 or 11.  I didn't leave mine only to run up to the store and back because I just didn't feel that he would want to stay by herself,and would be lonely\n There are some 15 yr olds that shouldn't be left alone,,,lol.  (sorry guys...but you know who you are//the ones that get into the liquor cabinet.. make prank calls, look up things on the internet that they shouldn't, watch bad movies. etc.
1130538
It probably depends on what state you in to some degree.  Hopefully, the father will be understanding and let the boy decide where he wants to live.  (In less than a year, he can move out - legally - anyway.)  And, if it ends up in court, the judge will surely listen to the boy's opinion - though may not rule that way.\n\nThe legal age of a "minor" is less that 18 years, in most states.\n\nIt seems to avoid a battle, it should be discussed with the father before the boy visits you with the intent to stay.  He has less than a year to live with his dad if he decides to leave at 18, legally -- could be worse (could be younger).\n\n\nPerhaps, you could call your local state attorney's office and ask.  They should be able to give you quick, free advice.
388493
There are no laws in most states that specifically state ages, but if you leave a child who is not competent or able to care for his/her siblings, you could be prosecuted for child neglect and/or endangerment if anything happened to them. The sites below have good guidelines.
338024
I looked into this.  there is no minimum age. I all depends on he child.  But I called the police department and that is what they told me.  i live in simi valley, ca.
375047
Check with local/state laws.\nSome places have a minimum age under which a child cannot go door to door without parent supervision.
208328
I always heard of a law(in my state)that the legal age to be left alone is 12.  The Red Cross allows kids to take the babysitting course when they are 12.
945541
It depends on how old the child is.  If she is a teen they usually will wait 24 hours.  That's what they did when my son ran away.  But if it's a small child they'll look right away.  Small children can't survive on the street for too long.
1081035
i believe the standard age is 12.