Where do we begin to learn about my inherited royalties?

Ownership and Title
1

My father died taking most of the information about his royalties with him. I'm not sure if he knew much about them himself. It's been years, and my mother doesn't remember the last time a royalty check came in. I need to know, now that I must take care of my mother's finances, and understand that my brother and I are entitled to some of those royalties. Where do I begin to track the information that will help us regain what rightfully belong to our family?

2

There is no easy, Polly Anna type answer to your question. If your father didn't know much about what he owned or if he didn't care enough to have an inventory made for his estate, then there probably isn't very much that anyone here can do. In general, you would have to know where or in what venue that he might own royalties in. By venue I mean states and counties, or state and county. You would then need to research the indexes and records in an attempt to dig out your father's interests. The only other lead would most likely be found in the papers and effects of your Dad, a guy who apparently had a live for today type mindset. Not a bad way to go through life, but can create more questions than answers when leaving mysteries behind for his heirs. Good luck.

3

These articles may help. What state?

http://www.mineralrightsforum.com/profiles/blogs/internet-resources-for-mineral-owners

http://www.mineralrightsforum.com/profiles/blogs/i-may-own-minerals-so-now-what

4

In a way that begs the question, or else ignores what might be the theme of her questions. It sounds like Pop didn't know what he owned. That may mean that he also didn't know where he owned. She will have to come back and confirm that. The articles present the classic Catch-22 situation. For example, "legal description" as a point of reference. Obviously, if you have info. like that, the links may do some good. She doesn't have any of that.

Wade Caldwell said:

5

1. Search for fathers name in the 'state unclaimed funds sites' in states where father lived, once lived, once owned property, or ancestors once owned properties. Seach all 50 states if you have no clue. This is usally free to do, costing only your time, and may give you 'some' details to help get started. Those 'old royalties' could have been from old vertical wells that have all but dried up, but if minerals still owned could be worth untold $$ now that horizontals could be being drilled on same property.

2. Search the 'County Central Appraisal District sites' (using fathers name) in Counties where you have a hint that father owned property or minerals; usually this is free, and will help yeild additional info.

3. if you have suspicion that mineral estate is 'large' get professional help (ask around on this site).

6

I wouldn't do any of that unless you have a lot of time to kill. The unclaimed funds sites might give you some dollar amounts, but they won't give you the legal descriptions that Mr. Caldwell said you needed as a starting point. The County Central Appraisal District may also be a waste of time in that most counties do not tax non-producing minerals. The original posting indicated that no royalties have been received in years. If some are producing still, there is nothing to guarantee they will be reflected on any rolls in your father's name. If they are there, you still need to know which county and state to look in.

Based on the way you phrased your question, I'm very confident that you don't believe the mineral estate is "large".

The ideas are meant to help you, not hurt you, but I don't see anything that will zero in on your Dad's royalties.

You need to make a greater effort to go through his papers, grill your Mom harder if possible, talk to other relatives etc... You need to get it to a point where you can start following some of what was included in Mr. Caldwell's links.

Otherwise, it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

7


Mr, Dave Quincy:

The Royalties paid to my father wasn't a lot of money, but it helped him enough to assist in keeping his household afloat. My father's family is pretty quiet about who received what amounts of money. Sexism and favoritism played their roles and affecting the sons and daughter's portions, causing a conspiracy of silence. Hopefully, those days and feeling are gone and a new day presents itself for the next generation. I intend to find out as much as possible for the benefit of those who follow me. I'm retired, and have the time and energy to search out a good mystery. I'm receiving nothing now, which means I may have something to gain if I can find it. I'm willing to learn as much as possible about the Royalties that offered our family choices.

Thanks for the help.

Miranda


Dave Quincy said:

There is no easy, Polly Anna type answer to your question. If your father didn't know much about what he owned or if he didn't care enough to have an inventory made for his estate, then there probably isn't very much that anyone here can do. In general, you would have to know where or in what venue that he might own royalties in. By venue I mean states and counties, or state and county. You would then need to research the indexes and records in an attempt to dig out your father's interests. The only other lead would most likely be found in the papers and effects of your Dad, a guy who apparently had a live for today type mindset. Not a bad way to go through life, but can create more questions than answers when leaving mysteries behind for his heirs. Good luck.

8

Thanks to everyone for the point in a beginner's direction. I've learned more in a few replies as a newcomer, than I have in years of asking questions of family and receiving guarded stares. I don't blame family, their income was their business and not to be shared with Miss Curiosity.

I am a life long learner and I have time to learn about what should be delivered by way of the trickle down theory. Minding my business certainly beats watching television. I appreciate the help very much.

Thanks,

Miranda

9

Miss Cameron, If any of this helps then you are blessed. If your family had mineral rights, there would be a tax ticket for such property. Who in your family has or is paying taxes on that mineral property? If you find the tax ticket for the mineral property then you are able to determine what you own. There are tax tickets for surface and minerals in my state. If that is the case in your state then you can find the mineral property and the heirs name on it. It may have your fathers name on it or even his father. If your family does not get any royalty checks now then the old wells may have be plugged and the old leases may now be void. Also, your father could have sold the mineral interest and if so, it's gone. If you can get any info such as an old lease or check stub from the company who had the lease back then, they may be able to supply additional info. The court house has the records for who owned the minerals in your family. If you can find a tax ticket that will decrease your research time. Taxes would have been paid on the property even if it was not leased. If you have any questions just ask and we will try to help clarify things for you.