Would like to hear opinions in regards to the following scenario:
William inherited 1/3rd of mineral rights from a sister along with 2 other sisters 1/3rd each.
William passed, leaving his wife Sophia her 3 children from a previous marriage and their son George. William never formally adopted the 3 step children. The minerals were inherited 75% to his son George and 25% to his wife Sophia.
Sophia passed, her minerals were inherited 6.25% each to her 4 children, leaving George with 81.25%.
George passed without having never been married and no children in 1968. New Mexico Law, I have been told, was based on the "Parentelic"(sic) system which I understand would make Georges inheritance go to his parent (their heirs) equally as separate property;
I don't think there is any question that Sophias 3 children would inherit her additional 40.625% for a total of a little under 20% each.
There were no known wills or probates involved in any of these deaths.
At this point the question is: Who would inherit through William, as New Mexico Law at the time made no specific comment regarding 1/2 siblings.
The above question is keeping the driller from paying on any mineral rights (even the % not in question, on a producing well) and seems to be willing to leave the situation as is, which I understand to some degree.
Would love to hear all you comments, experiences and suggestions.