Can anyone suggest a good attorney & Landsman to help research & provide advice regarding mineral rights that have been inherited from family member ? We know we have multiple areas in Caddo & De Soto Parishes. Thanks.
You state that you have the will, but you have not mentioned a Judgment of Possession. Has a succession proceeding been opened for this estate in the State of Louisiana? If so, a diligent search of the records of whatever parishes or counties in which your family member owned interest should have resulted in a list of inventory of immovable property (real estate and/or mineral interests).
If the succession has not been opened, or has been closed and the family 'keeps finding more property', you will need an attorney (either to proceed with the succession proceeding or to seek an amended Judgment of Possession which will make reference to the 'found property'. If the decedent held interest in the State of Louisiana, Louisiana law will apply, irrespective of the will in cases of forced heirship, and this should be addressed. Despite any other statements to the contrary, forced heirship still exists within the Civil Code in Louisiana, although it has been modified greatly. Any rights that would have been inherited prior to 1997 - you need an attorney, whether there is a valid will or not, as the 'old rules' will apply.