Lessee wants to file Memorandum of Oil and Gas Lease with the County Clerk instead of full lease

It is commonplace, kind of frustrating to landmen working title though. They always just disclose the primary term and thats about it, coupled with a legal. I would echo what most others say but I would say if the deal is good, do some research and talk to neighbors relatives etc, accepting a check is not the only way to get it done. OFTEN companies are racing in to establish a footprint, many of them with the intent to flip for a profit, and due to that many times they are operating off a quick lease check so they do not know what you actually own. So, most times they offer a draft with orders to fund the draft at time at which the title is sorted out and they know just what you might own.