Oil and Gas
Southwestern Pennsylvania is teeming with Oil and Gas activity thanks to the Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas plays. In a sense, a whole industrial sector that started in Titusville has come full circle within the Commonwealth aided by modern technological advances. By leveraging in-house industry experience we can negotiate the best deals and pursue the best solutions to pressing issues relating to legacy acreage. We used to put our industry knowledge to work for the companies, now let us put it to work for you.
Services:
Lease Negotiations
We know what lease terms are important to protect your interest and maximize the value of your oil and gas interests. We have negotiated leases with bonuses from $1,000 to those well in excess of $1,000,000. We know what it takes to get the right deal, done the right way.
Right of Way Negotiation
We know what Right of Way terms are important to protect your interest and maximize the value of your surface interest. We know what it takes to get the right deal, done the right way.
Asset Valuation Review
Mineral acquisitions are on the rise. Mineral buying companies, that target your oil and gas rights, are abundant in this down market. They offer quick settlements and cash that are hard to walk away from. This makes it more important than ever to get a second opinion before selling your oil and gas rights. We are only a call away at 724-550-6970 or reach us here.
Due Diligence
Our team has handled oil and gas transactions of various sizes.
Certified Title Opinions
Our team has handled abstracted and analyzed complex oil and gas issues across Pennsylvania. We know what it takes to add value to a deal through isolating major issues and not wasting time on minor ones. We are also available for all title curative matters that arise throughout the due diligence process. Our curative experience shapes how we handle issues, as we let cost and risk mitigation drive decision making.
Royalty and Production Cost Issues
Trespass, Boundary Disputes, and Co-Tenancy
Most oil and gas trespass and boundary disputes go unnoticed. It takes in depth analysis and extensive knowledge of the drilling and fracturing process to pursue. While the Briggs case brought this issue to light in making the rule of capture a household name for oil and gas owners, it did little to answer questions and alleviate landowner confusion as to what a trespass is. We understand these claims and are ready to analyze your potential trespass issues.
A little lesser-known oil and gas ownership issue is co-tenancy. In this scenario, a company bought a valid lease from one owner when there are many owners. Unlike neighboring states, Pennsylvania does not require a production company to acquire 100% interest, by lease or fee ownership, before they develop a property. Once development occurs the company must put aside payments for any interest not under lease. An oil and gas owner must request the company to perform an accounting in order to release payments. Co-Tenancy often occurs when oil and gas interests pass through intestacy resulting in a large number of owners. If you feel like you are a successor in title inherited oil and gas ownership, but you were never approached to lease when other relatives were and the property is producing, you might have a co-tenancy claim. We understand these claims and are ready to analyze your ownership status today.