Midland, TX asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Estate Planning and Probate for Oklahoma

Q: Oklahoma will not recognize "will" because it was never probated in Oklahoma.

Grandmother died in Oklahoma in 1980, had a will. All known assets were held in "joint tenancy" with her surviving daughter. In 2014, unknown minerals in OK were found. Oil company remitted force-pooled bonus consideration to OK. OK demands a probated will for an estate of virtually $0. Bonus is $1,000. Cost to probate is about $2,000. Any ideas how to pry money from OK?

1 Lawyer Answer
Richard Winblad
PREMIUM
Richard Winblad
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Edmond, OK
  • Licensed in Oklahoma

A: If funds are with the unclaimed property division & the total value is under $10k you may be able to use their affidavit process. But keep in mind that once production begins there oil company will probably make probate a title requirement before they release royalty payments.

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