Would-be IBM Heiress Waiting for October Hearing

I previously reported on the battle between the estate of Thomas Watson, Jr., former IBM CEO, and Patrica Spado, the female companion that Watson’s daughter adopted as an adult as a way to solidify their romantic relationship.  Below are some more details.

• Watson’s daughter pursued her adoption of Spado to ensure Spado’s financial stability and when the relationship fell apart, she told Spado she would not contest the validity of the adoption.
• The adoption makes Spado a grandchild of Watson, and Watson’s grandchildren are the beneficiaries of trusts worth $10 million each.
• While the Maine Supreme Court validated the adoption, Spado is waiting for an October hearing in Conneticut to determine whether Spado is a grandchild for purposes of the trusts.
• According to Spado’s attorney, well-established language that excludes adopted adults was not included in the documents establishing the trusts.

See Thomas B. Scheffey, $10 Million Inheritance at Stake in Suit Over IBM Heiress’ Same-Sex Adoption, Conn. Tribune, Aug. 21, 2009.

Special thanks to Raymond Sheffield (attorney, Sheffield Law Office, San Jose, CA) for bringing this article to my attention.