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Mineral Rights, Severing & Reservation of Minerals Decades of Experience By Your Side

Mineral Rights, Severing & Reservation of Minerals

Issues Regarding Severed or Split Estates

In 1916, a public lands act was passed by Congress effecting a general reservation of valuable minerals in the lands patented under the Act. Colorado recognizes the separate ownership of the Mineral Estate and the Surface Estate, each having distinct private property rights. When different parties own the surface and the subsurface - a common occurrence - this is referred to as a Severed or Split Estate. If you wish to drill in a certain area, you will not then need permission of the property's owner. A Colorado oil and gas lawyer can help you pursue what you will need - permission from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management to lease the rights.

Another option is to purchase the entire land package, in which case your legal counsel can provide a title opinion and guidance throughout the transaction. Your legal representation can take on negotiations with private owners regarding such a transaction or when offering compensation is the best option. Drilling on public land may at times be subject to protest by citizen groups, in which case legal advice and representation is vital in order to defend the continuance of your project. Your legal counsel can help to prevent a situation in which you risk suspension of drilling by ensuring you are in compliance with COGCC regulations.

Colorado Oil and Gas Law Attorney

With tightened federal policies resulting in more scrutiny over awarding oil and gas leases on public lands and the barriers that can arise regarding severed estates, it is crucial you consult with the team at Cantafio & Song PLLC. We will relentlessly defend your rights, help you to understand your obligations, and identify creative solutions which allow you to achieve your goals within the framework of these requirements. We can also help with cases involving mineral rights & property division.

For guidance with rights and severance issues, contact a Colorado oil and gas lawyer today.

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Over Three Decades of Experience on Your Side

What Makes Our Firm Different?

Experienced, High-Quality Representation
    "He has guided us through multiple business transactions with effective, concise, and productive negotiations."

    One of the many reasons we continue to retain Ralph for legal services is that we feel we get honest value in the time spent on our projects. His negotiations are direct, fair, and produce results.

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  • Distinguished Reputation in the Industry
    Attorney Ralph Cantafio is well known in the oil and gas industry throughout the western United States. He has established an excellent reputation in the industry not only through his exceptional legal work but also due to his lectures at industry events
    ( generally 2-4 times per year), academic writings, and his time as a college professor. Ralph's lectures and teachings generally consists of oil and gas agreements and negotiations, global energy management, and legal environment of business.
  • Unparalleled Experience in Oil & Gas Law

    Our team has over three decades of combined experience in oil and gas law, including assisting every type of client ( lessors, lessees, operators, etc.), each at every stage of the oil and gas business ( from upstream to downstream activities). Our team also has unparalleled experience in civil litigation ( including construction), corporate and commercial law, natural resources mediation and arbitration, and commercial transactions ( including residential and commercial real estate). 

  • Licensed Throughout the United States

    Our team is ready to assist you with our oil and gas law needs throughout the United States, including in Alaska, Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.