Why inherited minerals get complicated
- The deceased owner may still appear in county records
- Several heirs may own fractional interests
- Probate may have been completed in another state
- The interest may have passed through several generations
- The family may not know exactly how much it owns
- Older deeds or royalty statements may be difficult to locate
That does not mean the minerals cannot be sold
The first step is usually figuring out what interest was inherited and how title currently stands. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney, title professional or other qualified professional may need to help resolve ownership before a transaction can close.
You do not need to have every ownership question solved before contacting us. Send us what you know and we can begin reviewing the situation.
When multiple heirs are involved
Each heir generally owns their own undivided share and can usually decide independently what to do with it. Some families sell together; in other families one heir sells while the others keep their share.
Documents that help (but are not required)
- The deceased owner's death certificate
- A will, probate order or affidavit of heirship
- Any mineral deed or conveyance in the family's possession
- Royalty check stubs or division orders
- Correspondence from an operator or land company