<p>What's the legal age for a person to live by themselves? I heard from some people at age 16, someone can live by themselves without their parents. Is that true? I live in California. </p>
<p>Here's a situation. Lets say my parents wanted to go on vacation for a week or so, and would it be legal for my parents to leave me at home? I can drive, cook, write bills, etc... What age would i have to be to do that? 16???</p>
<p>Anyone of any age can technically live by themselves, being an emancipated minor is a total different ball of wax.</p>
<p>staying home for a week should be fine.</p>
<p>Well, this is my situation.. My dad has recently moved to China because of his business. He doesn't visit us very often because his job is in China. My mom is somewhat depressed and worried about my dad getting into "trouble"... She wants to visit my dad in china for 3~4 Weeks. Would it be legal for me to be home with my sister?...</p>
<p>Nobody's gonna come arrest your parents for leaving you home alone, bud. If it's negligence or child abuse that's another case, but I think you're old enough to be home alone for a week =P</p>
<p>This is sort of a weird situation for me though...</p>
<p>I was just making sure... because I heard that parents can't leave their children under 13 home alone.. Well thats what my parents always said to my sister and me lol.. I just want to make sure my parents won't get into any trouble or anything. It just seems my life has just took a 180 degree turn...if you know what I mean.</p>
<p>It might not be a good idea to leave you home for a month to take care of yourself and your sister, plus any domestic responsibilities your mom may have, but there's nothing illegal about it.</p>
<p>Agreed with the above poster.</p>
<p>Not illegal, not neccesarily a good idea.</p>
<p>yeah...
in your first post you said a week. that wouldn't be bad...
but a month? that's a really long time...</p>
<p>ya I know :o
Good time to learn taking responsibility.</p>
<p>how old is your sister?</p>
<p>12 :o</p>
<p>Do you have any adults that your mom is close with?</p>
<p>A friend, someone she works with etc?</p>
<p>A 12 year old is a fair amount of responsibilty along with yourself for a month. If you can find an adult just to check in on things 3-4 times a week, you should be set.</p>
<p>^yeah... with that you should be fine.
can you drive? because I think it would be really difficult if you can't...</p>
<p>can you drive by yourself at 16? i thought you needed a license holding adult to accompany you. maybe i'm mistaken.</p>
<p>depends on where you live. here you can drive by yourself at 16. 1 month and with passengers at 16. 5 months.</p>
<p>but he's almost 17, so he should be old enough... it's just whether he has his license or not.</p>
<p>You can get a license at 16, which means you can drive alone.</p>
<p>I think the fact you're almost 17 instead of barely 16 or something makes a big difference. I wouldn't have a problem staying by myself with my 12 y.o sister.</p>
<p>when you throw a party, make sure it's near the beginning of the month. that way, you'll have time to clean up without being rushed and replace any broken items.</p>