Italy: Woman, 75, Wins Eviction Order Against Her Sons In Forties

After growing weary of her two sons, aged 40 and 42, a 75-year-old woman hailing from Pavia, in the northern region of Italy, successfully evicted them from her home.

Earlier, she had made several attempts to persuade them to establish their self-reliance, especially considering that both of them held jobs.

The woman had been asking her two sons to find a separate living arrangement. But they would not hear of her. Paying no heed to her words, her sons continued to stay lazy and not contribute anything to the house.

As a result, she decided to bring the matter to court, which ultimately led to a Pavia judge named Simona Caterbi empathising with her situation and decreeing an eviction order against her sons.

Court Orders

As reported by The Guardian, in her verdict, Caterbi stated that initially, the men's continued residence at home was reasonable based on the parental obligation to provide support. However, she deemed it no longer justifiable, especially considering that they were both over 40 years of age. As a result, the men must vacate the premises by December 18.

Not So Uncommon In Italy

In Italy, it is relatively common for adult children to continue living with their parents for an extended period, often due to economic factors, cultural norms, and family dynamics.

These adult children sometimes referred to as "boomerang kids," typically lived at home to save on living expenses and to maintain close family ties.

As of 2022, nearly 70% of individuals in Italy within the 18 to 34 age group continue to reside in their parents' homes. This figure comprises 72.6% of men and 66% of women.

A study conducted in 2019 revealed that among young adults living with their parents, 36.5% were pursuing their education, 38.2% were employed, and 23.7% were actively seeking employment opportunities.

Factors contributing to this trend include high housing costs, youth unemployment, and a strong emphasis on family bonds in Italian culture. Many young adults lived with their parents until they were financially stable enough to move out and establish their own households.

Previous Similar Cases

In another case from 2020, Italy's highest court dismissed the appeal of a 35-year-old part-time musician who contended that his €20,000 (£17,400) income was insufficient for sustenance, and he relied on financial assistance from his parents.

The court ruled against his case, affirming that young adults do not possess an inherent entitlement to financial support from their parents.

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