Parents of “dead-beat” adult kids take note. Mark and Christina Rotondo wanted their 30-year-old son, Michael, to move out of their Camillus, N.Y., home. But he wouldn’t leave.
After a long, legal battle that made its way to New York’s highest court, their case is finished. State Supreme Court Justice Donald Greenwood sided with the parents Tuesday and told Michael he would have to leave.
This story went viral after Syracuse.com first reported on it last week. Their article featured a series of letters the Rotondos gave their son, starting with one on Feb. 2 of this year. It gave him 14 days to move out.
The letters that followed included a formal eviction notice and even some money. The parents gave him $1,100 to help find a new place. One letter offered this advice: “There are jobs available even for those with a poor work history like you. Get one.” Another suggested that he should sell his things, “especially … any weapons you may have,” to raise funds.
The Rotondos first tried town court in April, but found out only a state Supreme Court justice could remove a family member from a home. At Tuesday’s hearing, which was referred to as “surreal” by syracuse.com, Michael argued with the judge for 30 minutes. He insisted that he was legally entitled to six months’ notice before having to move out.
The judge informed him that wasn’t true. He instructed the parents’ lawyer to come up with an eviction order that he could sign. He also asked adult protective services to investigate the case.
Michael Rotondo moved back home 8 years ago when he lost his job. Outside the courthouse, he said he doesn’t speak to his parents but that he is not ready to move out.
According court filings, his parents say he does not contribute to household expenses or do chores.