We have been notified that Antero is attempting a partition of our interest and wanted to know steps that can be taken to prevent this or protect ourselves. We offered to sell the mineral rights outright, but they gave us a lowball figure. They are not threatening us with a partition of interest. What can we do?
I'm not sure that I understand your question, but be advised that in the United States, you can not be deprived of a property right without due process of law. See a lawyer.
TM, you should discuss things with a lawyer but there is no substitute for looking at things from all sides. If your land is partitioned will Antero need to cross your land for access or an easement for a pipeline? I think there is a possibility that you may be able to influence the shape of your property if it is partitioned. I think the court would need to consider how badly you could be damaged and deprived of the enjoyment of your property/rights if the partition that Antero wants would result in an odd shape and diminished value. If it looks like you will fight, I think Antero would rather settle with you than pay the same amount in legal fees. Just let them know it won't be easy. Someone once said something along the line of business is war prosecuted by other means. Be a porcupine, the generally inoffensive creature that it can cost dearly to interfere with. I don't believe that negotiations are over, they have just moved to a higher level. Just my opinion.
Antero is moving on us to partition our mineral rights also. We have been in constant contact with Antero and trying to negotiate an old lease. Antero is not wanting to negotiate and I think they are trying to force a sale at "market" value. Crazy thing is, we just found out there is a horizontal well on the property since 2009 that we have not been getting paid royalties for. So, there should be an escrow account somewhere, but Anterio can't find it. Who knows a great Lawyer to do battle with Antero? TM Hughes, did you find out anything with your partition? What happened to you?