Legacy Matters

Adopting an Older, Sexual Partner

Can you adopt someone older than you are?  Olive Watson did.
A lesbian, she 'adopted' her partner Patricia Spado in Maine where they summered.  Their 14 year relationship ended in 1992 but the adoption didn't.

At stake now is her share as a "grandchild" of Thomas Watson, who set up trusts for his grandchildren.  He never knew of the adoption.

Also at issue is the validity of the adoption of a sexual partner.

Family of IBM Pioneer Seeks to Exclude Heir's Adopted Lesbian Lover from Inheritance.