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Foxxxy
Lv 4
Foxxxy asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 1 decade ago

What are the laws for leaving a child home alone?

My exhusband and I have 50/50 joint custody. My ex-husband works Mon-Fri. I am a stay-at-home mom for my other daughter.

For the summer, my exhusband thinks it is ok to leave my 13 yr old daughter home alone while he is at work.

I am home during the time he is working and could give my daughter supervision during this time. He works 4 - 10 hour shifts, so she would be home alone for more than 10 hours per day. (considering commute)

What legal support do I have to allow my daughter to be with me even during his weeks with her?

Last summer we had a temporary order for me to have her during the this time, but there were other circumstances too.

Any help is appreciated!

Update:

One more thing: My 13 year old daughter isn't exactly 'street smart' and alot of the time she does things that isn't logical. I do not feel that she is mature enough to be left at home for more than 10 hours a day.

Maybe a few hours but not 10!

Update 2:

She has told me that she would like to spend this time with her sister and me at my home.

I understand that she is probably old enough to stay home alone, but if there are other alternatives like staying with her mother, why wouldn't anyone agree that it is better. Why take a chance when it is unnecessary?

4 Answers

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  • private
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I don't see how ANY reasonable adult would rather her stay alone, opposed to her being with someone who deeply cares. I do believe 13 is old enough to stay alone, but I think if it is NOT NECESSARY, then it should be up to her.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I guess I don't see why she can't stay home alone.

    How far away do you live from where she'll be? If it's just a short ride then she could call you up anytime if the situation called for it.

    I stayed home when I was thirteen. Hey, I stayed home when I was ten. By the time she is thirteen she should at least be able to microwave some food, or make a salad. Manage her time for homework/schoolwork. And send herself to bed at an appropriate time. She doesn't need her diapers changed anymore. Well, I'm assuming. Best of luck looking for a law to keep her with you, but I personally feel it's somewhat smothering.

  • Judith D
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    What does the 13 year old want to do about this? She is old enough to be by herself legally, but it might be a long lonely time for her. Lots of time in get into trouble perhaps - but many 13 years old are alone this much and do just fine. Depends on the child among other things.

    Good luck with this.

  • olivebird111
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    13 years old would be fine.

    As long as she doesn't go to the workplace then it would have no problem.

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