What is an estimate of cost for a Division Order Title Opinion in Oklahoma from a reputable oil and gas attorney? We are not being paid for some royalty interests we think our family is entitled to, and we are being told by one operator that we need to get a new Division Order Title Opinion. The operator for the other well in question is sending a landman of his choosing to the county in question to research and verify what I've already sent to him.
I don't think anyone can give a meaningful answer to this question. It would depend on the chain of title. If everyone along the chain had a will disposing of the minerals or if nobody had a will and the minerals always passed by intestacy laws and you provide a complete geneaology chart. It would also help if all/any sales and reservations were drafted by a good lawyer. How easy do you think it will be? The easier the less expensive, I suspect.
If you ask a lawyer to investigate your chain of title, he may have to hire and oversee someone and may charge you for it, I would not blame them because it will take up some of their time. If you could find a good mineral manager, you may find it's better bang for the buck.
I would expect that it will be costly either way, if we are talking about two acres in a mediocre area, you may just break even in the long run, which I might go for it anyway, because knowing your chain of title better has value, but many people wouldn't want to spend the money.
This might not be the correct forum to address that to. However, those are not requested typically by individuals. It's mainly oil companies that want them. The short answer is that they are expensive. I had told you in an earlier reply, that the oil company requesting that of you is probably being unreasonable. You have sent the documentation to them regarding your family member's interest. They should now tell you why the support that you mailed them doesn't fly. Instead of bending over and trying to pay a ridiculous amount for a Title Opinion, you should start a paper trail now with your attorney. Have him write them a letter threatening legal action, or in the alternative, tell you why the documentation that you sent them is inadequate.
Thank you, Dave. Very good advice and information we needed.
Thank you Sandy. Most of us here aren't licensed to give legal advice, but sometimes we can tell when something doesn't pass the smell test, or could have been handled better. I can't think of anyone who I have ever worked with that would have told you that. We would be concerned that an error or omission occurred, and would want to get to the bottom of it ourselves.
Hi, Dave, we need the name of a good, reputable, and honest oil and gas attorney who will fight for the little guy (meaning our family) so we can get some of our mineral interest questions answered legally. We also need someone to represent us. Do you have anyone you would recommend? Thanks, Sandy