Italian parents turn to law to evict adult son

An Italian couple have sought legal help to persuade their 41-year-old son to fly the nest, Italian media reported.

The Venetian parents, who have not been named, say their son has a job but refuses to leave home and wants his clothes washed and his meals prepared.

They have sought help from lawyers at the consumer association Adico.

Lawyer Andrea Camp said a letter was sent to the son, advising him to leave home in six days or face legal action.

If he refuses, lawyers will ask a court in Venice to issue a protection order for the elderly parents against their son.

"We cannot do it any more," the father was quoted as saying.

"My wife is suffering from stress and had to be hospitalised. He [the son] has a good job but still lives at home.

"He demands that his clothes be washed and ironed and his meals prepared. He really has no intention of leaving."

Some reports said the son had also become aggressive.

The couple turned to Adico after hearing of a similar case earlier this month in which Adico persuaded a son to leave home. After he left, his parents changed the locks.

Adico says hundreds of Italian families face similar problems getting adult children to leave home.