Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Legal age to stay home alone

I was wondering if there is a legal age in Ohio that a child is permitted to stay at home alone and if there is what is the age? My son's father has been letting him stay at home with his younger brother (ages 9 & 7) while he runs errons like grocery shopping, picking up pizza etc. My son told me about it for the first time last week and said that his dad does it all the time. Can you let me know? Thank you in advance.


Asked on 7/10/01, 7:30 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gregg Manes Gregg A. Manes, Esq.

Re: Legal age to stay home alone

I do not beleive that there is a specific age in which you can leave your kids home alone. One must look to the maturity level of the kids as well as there ability to contact an adult ie., by cell phone and the ability of the child to act in the case of an emergency.

Good Luck!!!!

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Answered on 7/14/01, 3:10 pm
Frank Rozanc Frank J. Rozanc, Esq.

Re: Legal age to stay home alone

I believe that the age in question is 14. At that age and above the child is presumed to know right from wrong.

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Answered on 7/10/01, 12:00 pm


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