Dont want to sell, can I get in trouble?

Oil and Gas Leasing Help
#1

So I have a small fractional interest of oil in WV. Landman keeps hounding my phone and sending certified letters which I have been ignoring for a year.

I dont want to sell.

Just want to make sure I cant get in trouble or something like that for not selling.

Also, can me being a holdout prevent them from drilling on the surface owner’s land?

#2
  1. This is America. You don’t have to sell if you don’t want.
  2. maybe. The surface owner can always consent in any event.
#3

You need to investigate further. A couple of years ago Antero was pushing a court action to force sale of minerals owned by unlocatable owners or owners unwilling to lease under the terms offered. We employed a WV attorney to represent our interest and respond to the court action. Yes our legal fees exceeded the bonus and hopefully a developed lease will generate the real money.