I have a question regarding ownership of mineral rights. My father inherited mineral rights in Tyler County, West Virginia. My mother is deceased. My father remarried and his wife let the taxes go unpaid from Tyler County. I have since redeemed the rights paying back taxes and penalties for 5 years. Now who is the rightful owner of the rights? I know that she as well as I were legal heirs, but since she let the property taxes go unpaid is she still entitled to royalties?
Thank you for any help on this matter.
Sandy
Did your father have a will?
No, he did not. Thank you.
WV Code on intestate succession
Look at Section 42-1-3 especially. Looks like she was entitled to no more than half by that. Not sure how your redeeming it from tax sale fits in.
You may need an attorney in West Virginia.
You might get some advice from the assessor’s office in Tyler County.
Thanks, I will check with them.
Again, thanks for your input.
Sandy
I believe she is still a legal heir to the mineral rights under the law.
No more than half as I read the WV code.
When you pay the taxes at a County sale in Oklahoma, you receive all rights & title to the properties that the former owner had. Did you receive a deed when you paid the taxes?
I believe she would have half and you and your siblings, if any, would split half in equal proportion.