Hi - I need help in understanding "Mineral Rights". My father who passed away 4 years ago inherited mineral rights for approximately 49 acres in Montague County. He had the mineral rights since 1992 approximately. It had been in the family for years but the property was sold around 1967.
My mother who is still alive and did not probate the will.
We recently received a call - my mother - brother and myself from a Landman. Stating that we needed to sign some papers a " Ratification of Oil & Gas Lease ". As well we would have to sign ( all of us ) a Affidavit of Hership. My mother to this date is the only party receiving paperwork.
She has received the Ratification of Oil & Gas Lease but not signed anything.
The Landman told my mother that it was already leased that the company that he works for holds the lease. My mother was not aware of that.
My question is - how can it be leased if the survivors did not sign the lease or aware of the lease?
Is this possible?
Why do we need to sign the above papers now?
He is not telling her much - so we are not sure what is going on.
Can someone help us? This is all new to us.
Thank You