Here is an update: I have reason to believe that the incorrect listing of my uncle came from the legal assistant who researched the Harris family for ARC. I was contacted on Ancestry.com by this person about the oldest son of this uncle. They were Senior and junior but the son had a legal name change. Seems his mis-adventures were becoming confused with those of his dad.
After several exchanges I was asked about my uncle. A few weeks later the person stated that after having put a bit of work into finding info on the son it was realized that I was related through my mother.
I am now assuming the search was for the Ritchie County WV contract, not Doddridge County.
As of Monday of this week I received from ARC's lawyers a certified mail packet containing an updated contract and another packet, not certified. One of these was triggered by my pointing out for the second time in a month that the contract stated I was an heir to my uncle.
Looks like the law firm finally realized that the (unsolicited) original contract was useless because I was not the person named as "Lessor". (Funny thing happened last week, the local VA clinic had a free law clinic and the lawyer who talked to me claimed that there was no need for new paperwork as the "mistake" had been noted by both parties. WRONG!)
Much to my surprise the new contract mentions Third Party Liability in the amendment. There was no mention in the original contract and I did figured out that it was still being forced upon me because by signing the contract i would have indicated that I was a willing "agent" (I read "business partner") of ARC in regards to the piece of land which the contract covered.
I wonder how many parties have signed that contract without realizing what sort of legal hassle they could be taking on? Honestly, with ARC's safety record for the last six years in Doddridge COunty ALONE, how many of you have faith in ARC being able to not have personal injury or accidentat death claims filed against them, your business partner?
Then came the shocker. Some of you may recall that as I was writing a message for this board I suddenly realized that I never stated I wanted to bring the gas to the surface and sell it on the open market. I was content with the gas staying where it is. But ARC approached me a stated that THEY wanted to take those actions (drilling, shipping, storage of the gas) and I would be given a royalty.
But the royalty payments would have "my share" of the costs of building the well, etc., etc. Remember me saying it was a case of "If YOU furnish the ham WE could have ham & eggs, if SOMEONE ELSE furnished the eggs"?
AT PRESENT the latest contract seems to indicate I would not have to contribute to the costs. The free legal clinic will be at the local VA in a few days and I want to run the wording past them. Please do not try this ("at home") thinking you can do why I did!
Also in the latest packet from ARC's lawyers is a statement that either I over looked in the pass or it has just been added because I have been granted these revisions. I am not to discuss the contract in public, as in on this web site. And yes, they are monitoring this site for my messages. I told them to do so!
And finally, what I just mentioned is what is considered "Good Faith". For those of you who insist that WV's Good Faith law means that by simply receiving an unsolicited contract makes you obligated to the sender WAKE UP! What you are claiming is against Federal Law.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I have received notice that funds have been submitted in my name to settle the dispute in Doddridge County. The statement I received indicates that I am now needing to "command" the Doddridge County court to release said funds to me.
My question is am I required to send my written notice to the court to both the court and ARC or just a single letter to the party holding the funds?
rcr 4/19/2017