I'm trying to ascertain the legality of having teenagers (15 year-old boy and 13 year-old daughter) stay at home while being supervised by their 19 year-old brother while both parents are simultaenously out of the state due to a death in the Mom's family while Dad is on business. All the kids are responsible, so we're not worried about wild parties or the house burning down, just the legality of the situatiuon. The kids are in the state of Virginia and both parents would be airplane flights away.

As long as there is an adult there you will be fine. The real question is home mature is your is your 19 year old son? Honestly? Not to be rude but usually when mom and dad are gone it party time. I would ask your friends to watch the kids or maybe one of your kids friends parnets would be OK with your child sstaying over for a few days... I know I wouldn't let my son do it.. But I guess your just wanting to know if its legal yes it is the law says if 'your 18 years old you're an adult...

Best of luck and I am ruly sorry for the loss of your family member.

I'm sorry for your loss, as well. At times like this it is usually easy to find an adult friend to house sit for a few evenings. Have you even asked?

The kids are probably fine with normal daily activities, but the evenings and "closing up shop" routine should be overseen by someone who has no reason to take advantage of the situation, like a teenager is typically inclined to do... genetically inclined.

If you think about it you can probably come up with many appropriate names. Ask them. "I know this is an imposition, but during this time I'd really like to not have to worry about the kids at night. You're help would make that possible. Please consider it."