I have a mineral rights lease from 2010 with Chesapeake. It was a five year lease. The lease was turned over to Southwestern (I believe without pulling my records) for a short period of time and then apparently sold to Antero and they started paying mineral royalties in 2017. When Antero took over I sent an email to Antero to discuss and renegotiate the lease terms. They came back telling me my lease was reviewed the primary term will stay in effect as long as oil and gas is being produced on the lands.
The lease agreement had (what I believe is) standard language about extending the lease an additional five years which was ‘lined out’ as not part of the agreement. Once the wells were driven and started producing I have been receiving royalties.
Am I able to force them to renegotiate my lease? We have shared acreage of a little over 75 acres and although small and minute, I do remember Chesapeake could not proceed with drilling until everyone came to agreements on their leases. I have no idea who else shares this with me. Does anyone know where I might find that information?
Lots of questions I know. Also, I live in SC. I know I’d need to obtain or talk to an attorney in WV about any of this so can anyone provide me with the names of attorney in the Monogolia county area that represent solely land and/or royalty owners and not these big oil and gas companies?
Let’s start here. I’m sure I’ll have more questions down the line but if anyone can help, please provide with names/numbers/websites, etc so I can start searching for answers. I can make a trip up to WV if need be. Originally my hubby became paralyzed with something called Guillain Barre Syndrome but he is now ‘toddler walking’ so it is much easier to transport him when I go out. Thanks again.