The family has received Division Orders for leased property that oil production has begun. Hooray!!! One big problem, there are several tracts in the 640 acres, and we agree with the acres and the Decimal Interest on all but one tract. We have tried to straighten this up with the Oil Company, but to no avail. We used an attorney who presented in our favor, that Case Law would support our position on the NMA and the Decimal Interest amount. I don’t know if the Oil Company is choosing to ignore this because it is not favorable to them (i.e., they would have to pay more $$$ to us as the Mineral holders) or if the attorney just wasn’t very good in convincing the oil company and has not followed up properly and promptly. (And besides, it’s not his problem and “all attorneys” are horribly busy) (lol)
Is there some kind of a third party, like the OCC, that could be used to straighten out what the actual NMA and Decimal Interest amount is if we can’t come to a mutually agreeable solution? The difference will cost the family $$$thousands$$$ if not corrected. Should we try to set up an appointment with the Legal Division (or who?) of the Oil Company? The Oil Company just wants the family to “accept” the Division Order as is. Can we accept the Division Order as is and have it corrected later when all the facts and circumstances could be properly presented to the correct person?
Thanks for all your help. I appreciate any comments or suggestions.