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