I could use some advice. I have received lease payments and bonus payments for a lease named Davis Owens
in reeves TX. about three years ago. I signed a ratification ,the land man showed me my interest percentage if the opinion was satisfied. Three years later I see online the well is producing 1200 barrels a month. The company has changed land man several times. I called him today and he say another land man is taking care of it but he thought it was cloudy…I asked what part of it was no one can tell me. I know the amount I would get is not worth an attorney. I was told today it kinda of my problem. It sounded like now that it is drilled and producing the driller has no worries to ever get the money to the family…to top it off they have asked to purchase my rights. I asked if you can not clear the title how would that work. Basically I was told if they owned it they would get it cleared…WOW…
Do I have a right to find out what I need to get to satisfy the title and does the driller have to provide?
Can I clear my fork on the tree and get my royalties or does every branch on the tree have to be clear?
Anyone have thoughts on an inexpensive way to approach?
Gerry
The route from the root to your fork on the tree has to be clear but it need not clear everybody. If they will not tell you the title requirements, you will have to get a lawyer involved to write a letter. It seems that often they don't think you are serious until they hear from a lawyer, giving you the run around until they do.
Isn't it ironic that a company who claims you have a clouded title is interested in purchasing your interest? Sounds to me like they are making it out to be worse than it really is. You need to send a certified letter requesting a detailed explanation to why the royalties are held in suspense. An experienced and competent oil and gas attorney should be good help. I can't imagine your legal fees would be that expensive unless further action is needed.
Can you go in with other relatives or owners in the same boat and split attoneys fees?
I am going to ask by certified mail what the issues are that is holding the title up. I think I am going to get lawyer if I can not get it going to right direction. Is it best to hire someone in Tx or in my local state?
I think you would be far better off hiring someone local so you can walk right into their office as long as you can find someone who has some experience. It you were to sue, you would need a lawyer licensed to practice law in the right jurisdiction. I have worked with lawyers long distance and frankly they miss things from the documents I sent them, missed e-mails I sent them. There is no replacement for being in their office.
Mr. Kennedy makes some good points. But any good lawyer will return phone calls and give you the proper attention when listening to you over the phone. This is likely a document-driven issue, and so that makes detailed phone-communication even less important.
If you hired an attorney that is near the operator, they may already know each other or have a standing reputation which can sometimes help negotiations a bit..
just my two cents