As I previously posted, I received an offer to buy my NPRI in Marshall County, WV, earlier this year. Instead of taking the offer, I did my due diligence and reached out to EQT. I filed an AOH (Affidavit of Heirship) and produced the documentation that EQT required about four months ago. I’ve followed up for progress reports regularly via phone calls and emails. When I speak to a human, I am always told, “The analyst is reviewing the case. I will reach out to them and have them email an update.” Crickets. They have never preemptively reached out to me. How long is a reasonable amount of time to review the documents and issue royalties? Why is customer service so lacking? Help. Thanks.
It can take up to six months to get title issues straightened out. WV has thousands and thousands of mineral owners, so it takes quite a bit of time to run title on everyone who is making requests. It would be wise to follow up with a certified letter return receipt with a copy of all of your emails in date order, AOH, dates a phone calls and asking for a prompt update. Sometimes…… a certified letter gets moved to the top of the pile.
Thank you! I literally just told my husband that a certified letter might be a good next move. You’ve confirmed that. I appreciate you.
And I share your last name- Barnes.
I married into it! In some states, the certified letter requires an answer in a certain number of days. One of the WV experts can comment on that state. Since it requires a signature and the return card, you at least know what day they have received it.
@JEB2034 From the response back in Jun 2025, you posted, “I’ve been producing the necessary documents for the operator and have been assigned an owner number. Yesterday, I was told that the AOH I filed had been approved, and the following steps are 1) Division Orders and 2) Title work. This is all new to me, and I’m hoping someone can give me an idea of the time frame for these next two steps. Bear in mind that these wells are currently being drilled and have been for several years. I appreciate any help you can provide.”
EQT will need to perform a title search and obtain a title opinion. Just because a mineral company mentions you have NPRI interest, they are not always correct. The title in WV is very complex and is one of the most challenging states for oil and gas titles. EQT is also behind on two acquisition purchases with TH production and Chevron. This process could take months, up to a year or more. I suggest sending a certified letter with a signature required to EQT.
Please note that if EQT comes back and mentions that their title came back showing no ownership, I would then contact a good oil and gas attorney to run out a certified title, but this can be costly.