How can I verify mineral rights in Montana .. from New England?

General Mineral Rights Discussion
1

I have a client that wants to sell mineral rights in Montana. I would like to do some basic due diligence and verify his ownership and also to locate the acreage on a map.

Any help on how that can be done would be appreciated. Highly prefer an online solution or perhaps an intern .. I am on a very limited budget

2

Jim:

First, the mineral rights (owners) will be on record at the County Clerk's office in the county where the minerals are located. You can locate the minerals on the GIS map via the internet by going to the Montana Oil and Gas website; click "on-line information" ; click GIS at top; use cursor to locate area on map; click to enlarge area....You will need to know the Township/Range/Section where the minerals are located. You can call the County Clerk's office in regards to verify the owner but in most cases, someone will have to physically research these records as most CC offices that I have dealt with, won't provide any research. If this is the case, I would advise you to contact a landman in the area for this service. You could shop around in order to find the lowest price for these services.

3

Thank you very much, Charles.

charles s mallory said:

Jim:

First, the mineral rights (owners) will be on record at the County Clerk's office in the county where the minerals are located. You can locate the minerals on the GIS map via the internet by going to the Montana Oil and Gas website; click "on-line information" ; click GIS at top; use cursor to locate area on map; click to enlarge area....You will need to know the Township/Range/Section where the minerals are located. You can call the County Clerk's office in regards to verify the owner but in most cases, someone will have to physically research these records as most CC offices that I have dealt with, won't provide any research. If this is the case, I would advise you to contact a landman in the area for this service. You could shop around in order to find the lowest price for these services.

4

Get a title opinion from a local abstractor and /or a title search from a certified landman... CPL designation. Limited budget or not, don't be penny smart and pound foolish. The CPL is likely cheaper and will serve your purpose.