ROYALTY OWNERS

In the case that an owner decides to sell, gift, or transfer an interest to another person, we will need a recorded copy of the conveyance or assignment filed of record in the county where the property is located.

When there is a need for a change in ownership due to a divorce, please provide a copy of the Final Decree of Divorce, together with any Settlement Agreements referenced therein, and a copy of a conveyance that has been recorded in the county in which the property is located

If an interest owner dies leaving a will, we need recorded copies of the Application for Probate, Last Will, and any Codicils, and the Order Admitting Will to Probate. If Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration have been issued, please include those. If the Estate is to be administered, please forward the estate’s Federal Employer Identification (EIN) via IRS form W-9.

We do not need Certified Copies of an instrument for those who died in the county where the property is located, but all necessary documents must be recorded in the county where the property/well is located. If the royalty owner has died outside of the county where the property/well is located, then we will need Certified Copies of the instruments. In the event, the decedent’s will was probated outside the state where the property is located, we will need exemplified copies of the probate materials.

Where the decedent left a will, but no administration is undertaken, it may be necessary to probate the will as a Muniment of Title. This procedure ensures that title to the property will be clear, and all interested parties will be involved in the proceedings. Please forward the recorded copies of the Order which will include the will.

We do not need Certified Copies of an instrument for those who died in the county where the property is located, but all necessary documents must be recorded in the county where the property/ well is located. If the royalty owner has died outside of the county where the property/well is located, then we will need Certified Copies of the instruments. In the event, the decedent’s will be probated outside the state where the property is located, we will need exemplified copies of the probate materials.

Where the decedent left no will, the laws and practices of intestate succession will be applied to the interests left by the deceased. To make a valid transfer of these interests, it is best to have the estate formally administered by a court with proper jurisdiction.

However, in some cases, we will accept informal documentation of the deceased’s estate. In such cases, we will need the following documents:

1. A copy of the Death Certificate,

2. An Affidavit of Heirship prepared by at least one (1) non-family member, properly notarized, and filed for record in the county where the property/well is located. Please note that we do not provide such items.

3. Additionally, we need proper identification of the heirs through the completed IRS Form W-9