Patricia Spado

Patricia Spado is the former partner of Olive Watson, heiress to former IBM president Thomas Watson Jr..

In 1991 a Maine judge approved the adoption of Spado by Watson. Both women were in their 40s at the time.¹

The couple split in 2005 and, after Thomas Watson Jr. and his wife died, the adoption was challenged by his heirs.¹

The adoption was annulled on April 24, 2008, based on a residency technicality. An appeal to Maine's Supreme Judicial Court has been filed.¹

Fast Facts

1. Patricia Spado is now 60
2. Had a relationship with Watson for 14 years
3. When relationship ended, Watson paid Spado a $500,000 settlement²
4. Settlement allegedly intended to buy out jointly owned property²
5. Watson signed an agreement that she would not attempt to annul the adoption²
6. Adult adoption is permitted under Maine law²
7. Typically used when a step-parent adopts an adult step-child
8. Before civil unions and same-sex marriage, some gay couples used adoption to secure inheritances²

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