In 2011 and 2014, RD Williams signed lease agreements for the Barney and Saxon wells on land our family owns in Mannsville. But the lease agreements were with another family who does not have any claim to ownership. They signed affidavits of heirship to show ownership. Back in the late 1940’s they did own 1 lot of the 11, but that ownership ended after 2 years - around 1947. What can I do, and is there any way to recover the payouts they received? Thanks for the help, I am new here! Lisa
This is a title dispute and answer depends on the specific wording in the deeds and state law governing interpretation of deeds. You will need to pull all the relevant deeds and have them reviewed by an oil and gas title attorney or specialist. They can best advise you of the steps to take.
TenisDaze is correct. It sounds like a title dispute issue. Typically these require a probate to resolve. Sometimes a quiet title action. You probably cannot recover the lease bonuses paid to “pretenders” because these took no property from you. However you should be able to recover any royalties paid if these were your minerals.
Any recourse for RD Williams and XTO?
Yes for your share of royalties. They may be in suspense or improperly paid to someone without title.
Visit with an attorney who can review the information.
What is the question about RD Williams and XTO?