Italian courts reinforce child support duties, citing social media proof and convicting father of pension theft

Italy's Supreme Court confirmed a conviction of a Turin father for failing to pay child support, ruling that posts on social networks showing undeclared work as a photographer and gym instructor can be used as evidence of hidden income. The court rejected the defence that the father was unemployed and clarified that the duty to provide maintenance applies equally to children born outside of marriage. The ruling upheld a monthly €250 payment order and affirmed the broader principle of parental financial responsibility.

In a separate case, a Viterbo court is trying a father accused of peculato for diverting his disabled adult son's €1,200 pension. The son, fully dependent on the pension for daily expenses and participation in a day‑center program, was prevented from attending the center after the father allegedly withheld the funds. The father, a ceramic‑industry employee and legal guardian appointed by a judge, faces charges of embezzlement of the pension intended for his son’s care.