Frequently Asked Questions
Oil, gas, and natural resources
Oil, gas, and mineral law can be confusing. Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry answers all your questions about natural resources in plain English. We have collected some questions we find clients ask frequently, but they are no substitute for the qualified legal services of our attorneys.
What information can I bring with me to a meeting with my lawyer to make it more effective?
A: Bring any copies of deeds, ownership documents, and leases you have to your initial consultation. Also, collect the names and contact information of people living on the property who are willing to testify about the land’s usage.
Do I automatically own the mineral rights if I own a certain area of land?
A: Land ownership does not automatically transfer mineral ownership. If you own property rights and another party owns the mineral rights, Texas allows the mineral owner reasonable surface usage needed to collect their minerals.
How can I find out who owns the mineral rights to my property?
A: You can generally get information about mineral rights ownership in the public records of the county where the land is located. You may need legal help to find incomplete or missing records.
What are some elements of a solid oil and gas lease?
A: An effective oil and gas lease outlines the payer and payee’s responsibilities. Require your lessee to provide detailed documentation on his or her operations and outline royalty reductions for post-production costs.
Arrange for a free consultation with our oil and gas lease attorneys. We explain the structure of a solid mineral usage agreement and litigate lease disputes.
