Disputes often happen between landowners and production companies over royalty payments and property ownership. It’s important for owners to understand the lease they have with a production company and get the help of a lawyer if there are any disagreements during the process.
Areas of Oil, Gas and Energy Law
Attorneys Dusty Stockard and Kenneth Netardus have years of experience in the areas of lease disputes, mineral rights and royalty disputes, and pipeline condemnation.
Lease Disputes
An oil and gas lease is between the owner of the minerals (which can be different from the landowner) and an oil company. In this contract, the owner grants certain rights to the lessee in terms of property in exchange for money. The term of the lease itself can cause disputes. While the owner would like it complete in a short term, the oil company may prefer a long term contract with flexibility. This is just one example of the many disputes that need to be addressed when handling a lease in this industry.
Mineral Rights and Royalty Disputes
After coming to a contractual agreement with the oil company, the owner expects to be paid the full royalties. These royalties should have been identified in the lease in exchange for the extraction of resources. However, there are many cases in which the owner doesn’t gain as much as they thought they would. In any legal dispute, it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Pipeline Condemnation
As our population grows, so does the need for transportation. Pipeline condemnation refers to the transportation of oil and gas beneath the surface when private companies and certain agencies take private owned land for public use. However, landowners have rights too and should seek legal counsel.
Do you need help with oil, gas and energy law?
When these matters arise, it is important to work with an attorney experienced in oil, gas, and energy law. If you or someone you know needs assistance in navigating through one of these or any other related issues, please schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys today.