Individual v. Group ownership

Ownership and Title
1

I recently inherited a number of mineral deeds. How do I know if I own them alone or if I am part of a group that owns them

2

More than likely you own an “undivided interest”. So that would be a group ownership in your words. The deed legal description may have enough info to determine that. Or you may have to go back to the deed(s) of the previous owner(s). In some cases you may have to research records for several decades back to determine actual ownership.

3

Thanks for the reply Rick. So if you own the rights with other people “undivided interest” and someone wants to lease the rights, do all parties negotiate the terms of the lease?

4

Not at all in Oklahoma. Other states vary greatly.

5

In Texas, each individual owner stands on his own and each individual can negotiate for themselves. You do not have to sign as a group.

Kirk Bloomquist said:

Thanks for the reply Rick. So if you own the rights with other people "undivided interest" and someone wants to lease the rights, do all parties negotiate the terms of the lease?
6

So if you have an undivided interest in a property who would negotiate? For example I own a deed in Stephan’s county S34 T2N R4W. I assume that it is an undivided interest. If a company wants to lease it who would negotiate the terms?

7

Kirk, You would negotiate your own terms in that section. If you don’t work out a lease,you will be for e pooled if they drill. Likely you will have better terms than a “novice” will negotiate against the “professional” Landman or operator (as long as you make a pooling election)

I’m surprised you are not leased if it is in that area or have been hounded for some time. I suspect your ownership may be a bit clouded or you are near impossible to locate.

8

I am not sure if my dad was hounded or difficult to find. I assume once we change the contact information on the deed document people will be about to “find” me? Or do mineral rights owners need to market their properties in some way?

9

A good landman can find you, it is hard to hide. With a lot a newbies that came into the industry, well they probably could not find you if you were not listed in the white pages

Kirk Bloomquist said:

I am not sure if my dad was hounded or difficult to find. I assume once we change the contact information on the deed document people will be about to "find" me? Or do mineral rights owners need to market their properties in some way?
10

Kirk,

Check your inbox at the upper right.

11

Hi, I have also inherited some oil gas lease's from my grand parents from Coose Bay Or in the early 1900's. written through a company in Los Angeles Ca. I followed the line of this company to New Mexico, but at that point it got fuzzy.. Is their a company that helps folks like me search this information out.