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Q: Do I have gas rights for my land in WV despite claims from descendants of historic owners? How can I resolve this issue to sell?
I own land in West Virginia where I've held both land and gas rights for about 20 years, consistently paying taxes on both. Upon deciding to sell 22 acres of my property, I've encountered a claim that for 12 of those acres, profits must be shared with individuals or their descendants who... View More 
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Paul G. Neilan
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answered on Sep 9, 2026
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answered on Sep 9, 2026
The short answer is that you'll need to talk with a WV oil & gas attorney to determine whether these claims have merit or not. Real property may involve both a "surface" estate and a "mineral" estate, and depending on your state's law, the mineral estate could be... View More
Q: Is a $908 meter upgrade fee price gouging during a disaster?
I am based in Indiana and reached out to my gas/electric provider about upgrading my gas meter for a whole house generator installation. They quoted $908 just for the gas meter, without providing a specific reason for the cost. Due to the natural disaster on August 12, 2026, other providers... View More
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Paul G. Neilan
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answered on Sep 9, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 9, 2026
Initially, you refer to "gas/electric provider," which I assume means the public utility that provides your natural gas and electric service. Generally speaking, a public utility must have a tariff (terms of service, rates and charges, etc.) in effect before it can charge customers. These... View More
Q: How can I find Yale law students in Connecticut to help with an inmate's case modification?
I'm looking for information on how to find Yale law students in Connecticut who might assist with my fiancé's case. He is currently an inmate and needs legal help to seek a modification. This is our first attempt, and we don’t have any urgent deadlines or timelines set yet. Are there... View More
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 9, 2026
answered on Sep 9, 2026
A Connecticut attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week, and it appears more general in nature than one of substantive law. One option could be to look into the law school's student societies or law clinics. Another could be to reach out to faculty if they could... View More
Q: What scams or red flags should I watch for when paying for a nursing home in Ohio?
I'm considering signing up for and paying for a nursing home in Ohio, but I want to ensure I'm not taken advantage of. Are there any common scams or red flags I should be aware of before committing to a nursing home financially?
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 9, 2026
answered on Sep 9, 2026
An Ohio attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month, and is tagged for "Personal Injury." I think it would be best for Ohio elder law attorneys to advise here. Some general cautions you can take are to be careful with your sensitive personal information and... View More
Q: Can I pursue action against a neighbor's dog owner for killing my cat in Texas?
In Texas, my neighbor's dog entered my yard and tragically killed my cat. I consider my pets as part of my family, and I'm seeking advice on what actions can be taken against the dog owner. I've already filed a police report and was the only witness to the incident. Is it possible to... View More
Loc Tan Dang
answered on Sep 10, 2026
answered on Sep 10, 2026
What Texas law allows here is narrower than most pet owners expect, and it is better to know that upfront.
The difficult part. Texas treats animals as personal property. Damages in these cases are generally limited to market value plus veterinary costs, and Texas courts have specifically... View More
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