Overview
Mineral title law is a complex area, requiring a sophisticated understanding of a unique set of regulations and terminology.
To maximize your mineral assets, you need attorneys with experience in this highly specialized field who can guide you through the full title examination and analysis process. Our Energy Practice Group has attorneys who regularly assist companies in the oil and gas industry, public utilities, energy developers, industrial companies and suppliers, and renewable energy companies with surface and mineral title issues – from identifying property ownership, to conducting due diligence and drafting title opinions, including original, supplemental, and division order title opinions. We also have extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of the title search and abstracting process. Our attorneys also assist with negotiation of purchase agreements and structure of post-closing matters required to cure potential title defects.
We cover all shale formations across our footprint, and have specific experience with the Michigan Dormant Mineral Act and Ohio Dormant Mineral Act. With attention to detail and a strong focus on your business goals, we can assist sellers and buyers looking to take advantage of their mineral assets.
Our services in this area include:
- Drafting
- Surface use agreements
- Joint operating agreements
- Development agreements
- Assignments
- Mortgages
- Easements
- Extensions to oil and gas leases
- Ratification of oil and gas
- Affidavits
- Deeds
- Stipulations of interest
- Providing original, supplemental, and division order title opinions.
- Guidance on:
- Leases held by production
- Ohio Dormant Mineral Act
- Marketable Title Act
- Testamentary/Intestate succession
- Dower
- Non-participating royalty and non-executive mineral interest owners
- Water and roadway ownership
- Life estate/remainder ownership
- Coal ownership