Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

I have a situation where there is a minor child age 9. I live in the state of Maryland and the issue is that the mother of the child wants to leave the child home alone when there is no school. The child had ADHD and is not mature to be left alone. I understand that the law in Maryland says that a child can me left alone at the age of 8. Is there anything I can do?


Asked on 9/09/10, 3:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

The law in Maryland does NOT simply state that a child may be left alone at the age of 8. Here's what Maryland law says:

Family Law Article, � 5-801, provides:

(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confined in a dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure, or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both.

Best of luck.*******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.********

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Answered on 9/14/10, 4:54 pm
Sean T. Morris Law Office of Sean T. Morris

What is your relationship to the child? Are you his father? If so, you have several options, depending on the status of your custody rights. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] so I can get some more details. Good luck.

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Answered on 9/15/10, 1:45 pm


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