For stakeholders dealing with Pioneer Natural Resources in Midland, TX, understanding the procedures for ownership changes is crucial. Effective October 2, 2023, Pioneer Natural Resources has specific policies in place to manage these transitions, ensuring a smooth and legally sound process. This guide outlines the necessary steps for ownership changes and procedures to follow in the event of an owner’s death.
Policy on Ownership Changes
Pioneer Natural Resources mandates that no ownership changes will be processed without the submission of a recorded conveyance document. This policy is in place to protect all parties involved and ensure the legal transfer of property rights. Interest payments may be suspended upon notification from the seller or receipt of an executed conveyance copy, pending the official recorded document.
To initiate an ownership change, you must provide a recorded conveyance. This document, officially recorded in all counties where the property is located, should be emailed to [email protected]. Pioneer Natural Resources processes these changes in the order they are received, aiming to complete transfers within 30 to 45 days of receiving the necessary documentation.
Procedures Following the Death of an Owner
The process for transferring ownership after the death of an owner varies based on whether the estate was probated in Texas or not, and if a will exists.
Estate Probated in Texas
If the deceased owner’s estate has undergone probate in Texas, the following documents are required:
- Application to Admit Will to Probate: The initial application to begin the probate process.
- Order Admitting Will to Probate: The court order officially recognizing the will.
- Letters Testamentary: Legal document authorizing the executor to act on behalf of the estate.
- Last Will and Testament: The deceased’s will, outlining asset distribution.
- Distribution Deed: A deed executed by the estate executor transferring property to the beneficiaries (devisees).
- Heir Information: A complete list of heirs, including addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, and Tax Identification Numbers.
- Death Certificate Copy: While optional, a death certificate copy is helpful for verification.
Documents 1 through 5 must be officially recorded in the county where the property is located to establish clear title.
Estate NOT Probated in Texas
For estates probated outside of Texas, the probate proceedings from another state do not automatically apply to Texas property. To establish title in Texas, authenticated (exemplified) copies of the out-of-state probate proceedings must be recorded in the Texas counties where the properties are located. While specific documentation can vary by state, generally, the following are needed:
- Application to Admit Will to Probate: The initial application from the probate process in the other state.
- Order Admitting Will to Probate: The court order recognizing the will from the other state’s probate.
- Letters Testamentary: Authorization for the executor from the out-of-state probate.
- Last Will and Testament: The deceased’s will.
- Distribution Deed or Court Order: Document transferring property to devisees, either via executor deed or court order.
- Heir Information: Complete list of heirs with contact and tax details.
- Death Certificate Copy: Optional but recommended.
Again, documents 1-5 must be recorded in the relevant Texas county/counties.
No Probate / No Will
In situations where the estate will not be probated, or the deceased owner did not have a will, the following documents are necessary:
- Death Certificate Copy: Official death certificate.
- Judicial Determination of Heirship: A court judgment legally determining the heirs of the estate.
- Heir Information: Comprehensive list of heirs with contact and tax details.
The Judicial Determination of Heirship (Document #2) must be recorded in the county where the property is located. Pioneer Natural Resources will accept a Judicial Determination of Heirship from any state, but if it originates from outside Texas, authenticated copies are required for recording.
By adhering to these guidelines, stakeholders can ensure accurate and timely processing of ownership changes with Pioneer Natural Resources in Midland, TX, maintaining clear and legally compliant records.
