Thanks Buddy for the explanation of Texas law on this subject.
Buddy Cotten said:
Dear 6GT,
For your Texas law question:
It was still separate unless the funds became so commingled that the ranch acquired the aspects of community property. At that point a lawsuit to establish the title to the ranch would have to be brought.
There is one identical type case where the oil company had production on the homestead (separate property) and Pops died. The real sharp lawyer had her perform a renunciation of the will and as such was able to get 100% of the production attributable to the former homestead.
Best,