I am a co-owner of a property in Pennsylvania. In addition to the surface, we own 50% of the subsurface rights? It was recently discovered that an older gentleman was a 25% owner in the subsurface rights from a reservation in the 1940's. He passed away in 2009 intestate with no heirs, only one surviving step-daughter. Did his interest escheat to the commonwealth? If so, would we be a valid "claimant" as a majority mineral owner as well as the surface? How would one claim such an interest in order to clear our title?
Thank you for any help on this issue.