When signing a lease I only return a COPY to the landman. I also write DO NOT FILE on every page-this is for the lawyers to run the ownership title check ( takes 30 days-since they are so busy these days). The original signed lease is only delivered after Certified check verified by my bank (My bank will call and have the Certified funds held) – or BANK WIRE funds received or Cashiers Check received - ( even tho a Cashiers check my bank checks with the issuing bank ). Years ago my bank would hold the lease until funds cleared - but this rare now and probably not be necessary but should be considered if you are working with flipper