My siblings and I have inherited quite a few mineral rights in McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams counties. All of it is in a trust (managed by a local bank) which has been re-deeded to our names (they say they are still in the process). The bank and the Bank of Oklahoma (who manages the oil) have not sent any of the paperwork we've asked for, cannot explain things to us (says "it's complicated") and does not return our calls. We are looking to hire a good honest lawyer from North Dakota who is familiar with trusts, oil rights and Fargo land. Included in this is a 1000 acre parcel of land which is rented out, 780 acres are tillable.
We would like to set up another meeting with the bank with someone there to represent us, who can ask the right questions, and be on our side. (In our one and only meeting, they proudly gave each of us all a small check but couldn't answer most of our questions, saying it's complicated.)
Thanks for your response. The inheritance is through a trust, I have a copy of the will that was unnecessary to probate. It designates this bank to manage the trust. This bank has managed this for over 50 years.
I agree we do need to take control but was asking if anyone knew of a good honest lawyer in the Fargo area familiar with trusts, land and oil rights. Thanks for your help.
If the bank is a Trustee, then it has a fiduciary responsibility to you and to conduct business in your best interests. If they can't answer your questions, and are telling you that "it's complicated," ask why they can't answer your questions. It's their job to answer your questions. What have they been doing for the past 50 years?
Maybe it's time to make an in-person visit, again. Call to request a time/date and follow up with a written request for ALL document copies you will expect to receive, along with a list of questions you will expect to be answered, in detail. (Send Certified, return receipt requested.) In the meantime, begin securing referrals for an "honest" estate attorney with an O&G background. You may want to make an appointment with him/her after your visit to the bank, if you still have "control" issues with them.
I do not have a recommendation for an attorney for you, which, as you state, is clearly what you need.
Your post will likely get more useful comments if you posted your question in the relative County groups where your minerals and fee estates are located.
I do not have a recommendation for an attorney for you, which, as you state, is clearly what you need.
Your post will likely get more useful comments if you posted your question in the relative County groups where your minerals and fee estates are located.
If the bank is a Trustee, then it has a fiduciary responsibility to you and to conduct business in your best interests. If they can't answer your questions, and are telling you that "it's complicated," ask why they can't answer your questions. It's their job to answer your questions. What have they been doing for the past 50 years?
Maybe it's time to make an in-person visit, again. Call to request a time/date and follow up with a written request for ALL document copies you will expect to receive, along with a list of questions you will expect to be answered, in detail. (Send Certified, return receipt requested.) In the meantime, begin securing referrals for an "honest" estate attorney with an O&G background. You may want to make an appointment with him/her after your visit to the bank, if you still have "control" issues with them.