My grandmother died 12 years ago and owned mineral rights in Gaines County, Texas. We live in CA. What is the best way to transfer them over to her 4 surviving children (without an attorney)? There was one offer made for $2900.00 from a land man. There has never been a probate estate.
Obtain a copy or copies of the death certificate and have preferably a disinterested third party familiar with the family sign before a notary public an Affidavit of Death and Heirship form. The affidavit will set out all the successors of the decedent. Once you have these two documents, file in Oklahoma counties (County clerk) where property lies under the specific sections. I hope you have a complete list of ownership. Use a reputable LANDMAN.
Thank you so much!! Not being from the area, how do you find out if the landman is reputable? Also, you said to file in Oklahoma counties. The property is in Gaines County. Wouldn’t I go to the clerk’s office in Seminole?
You do not need a certified copy of a death certificate. Hopefully there are two (2) disinterested third parties who can sign an affidavit for you. If there are no disinterested parties, then two (2) family members can do it. Family members are not the best but sometimes that is all you have.
The affidavit does need to be filed in Seminole.
Thank you. I think I got it. Didn’t realize it would be so simple.