In this Episode, Justin and Matt interview experienced attorney, landman, and project manager, Clint Goos about common Oil and Gas Title Defects and Curative Measures. Clint is with NorthStar Energy Company based in Denver, Colorado.
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Key Points:
This episode is a follow-up to Episode 10 where we talk about how to perform a mineral rights title search. Often times a mineral rights title search will identify gaps in the chain of title or other issues with the title that need to be corrected before you can lease, sell, or receive royalties. Clint talks about what landmen (and women) do for a living, what land services NorthStar Energy offers, and some tips for mineral owners who run into common title issues.
About the Company
NorthStar Energy provides land services in the rocky mountain states and mid-continent including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, and others. They primarily performs abstract work for oil and gas operators and individual investors and mineral owners.
Title Searches and Title Defects
In the Mineral Rights Podcast Episode 10 we covered what a title search is and the basic steps that are involved. We mentioned in that episode that many title searches will reveal gaps in the chain of title or other title defects.
In our discussion with Clint, we cover the follow common questions:
- Can an individual mineral owner perform a title search on their minerals themselves? If so, what do they need to do in order to get it right?
- What is critical to get right in performing a title search in order to avoid wasting time or money?
- When should they call an expert like a landman or attorney? What should they look for when hiring a landman or an attorney?
- What are some of the most common title defects that you see as it relates to mineral rights?
- How can someone go about curing this type of title defect?
- How much does it typically cost to obtain a mineral ownership report on a property?
- How long does it typically take to perform a limited title search for a single property?
- What type of curative measures can be taken if title defects or gaps are found?
- What are the first steps that a mineral owner should take before contacting a landman to run title?
Resources Discussed in this Episode
Some state oil and gas agencies where mineral owners can search for production associated with a particular legal description (where to go to see if you should be getting paid):
- Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC)
- Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC)
- Texas Railroad Commission
Oil and gas operators may hand over royalties to the state if they can’t locate the mineral owner. Here are a few state unclaimed property sites where you can search to see if you or any of your relatives may have unclaimed property (e.g. oil and gas royalties):
- Texas Unclaimed Property Website
- Oklahoma Unclaimed Property Website
- Colorado Unclaimed Property Website
Many counties have online clerk and recorder’s offices where you can search for recorded documents by party name or legal description:
- Weld County Clerk and Recorder
- There are also 3rd party providers such as okcountyrecords.com that provide this service as well (for a fee).
How to Contact Clint:
Clint Goos
303-296-2119 ext. 102
This information is being shared for educational purposes only. This is not to be construed as legal advice! When in doubt consult an attorney in your state that is experienced in mineral law.
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Thanks again to Clint Goos for joining Justin and I to talk about oil and gas title defects and curative measures and resources/tips to help mineral owners save time and money. Until next time!
Matt
