Ohio Trial Court Issues Dormant Mineral Act Ruling
The Belmont County Court of Common Pleas ruled that a recorded will is a title transaction for purposes of Ohio’s Dormant Mineral Act. In Albanese v. Batman the trial court held that a will recorded in the county recorder’s office qualifies as title transaction and savings event even where no certificate of transfer relating to the real estate was filed. The court cited Ohio appellate courts that have held that title to real estate passes by testate succession at the time of the property owner’s death. The certificate of transfer is not that actual conveyance document, but rather the recorded will is the vehicle that transfers the property.