Before any oil or gas transaction moves forward, the parties involved need to know exactly who owns the mineral rights. A title opinion is a legal document prepared by an attorney that examines the ownership history of a property and identifies who holds the rights to the minerals beneath the surface. It is one of the most important steps in any energy deal.
At Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC, we have been preparing title opinions for oil and gas clients since 2006. Our team reviews deeds, leases, wills, court records, and other documents to give you a clear picture of ownership before you commit to a transaction.
A title opinion is more than a simple ownership check. It involves a full review of the chain of title for a property, going back through decades of recorded documents. The attorney examines every transfer, reservation, and encumbrance that may affect ownership.
A standard oil and gas title opinion typically addresses:
Once the review is finished, the attorney issues a written opinion that states the condition of the title and notes any defects or concerns that need to be resolved.
Energy companies, landowners, and investors all rely on title opinions to confirm ownership before moving forward with drilling, leasing, or purchasing mineral rights. Without a title opinion, a buyer or lessee could end up paying for rights that belong to someone else.
Title defects are more common than most people expect. In western Pennsylvania, mineral rights have been bought, sold, reserved, and inherited over many generations. Records can be incomplete, names can be misspelled, and transfers can be improperly recorded. A title opinion identifies these problems early so they can be addressed before money changes hands.
For landowners, a title opinion can also confirm that you hold the rights you believe you own. This is especially important before entering into a lease agreement or selling mineral interests.
At Kostrub Law Firm, we prepare several types of title opinions depending on the needs of the client:
Each type of opinion serves a different purpose, and our attorneys work with you to determine which one fits your situation.
When a client comes to us for a title opinion, we begin by gathering the recorded documents for the property. This includes deeds, wills, tax records, and any prior title work that may exist. We then review the full chain of title and identify any breaks, gaps, or defects.
If we find issues, we outline them in the opinion and recommend steps to resolve them. This may include obtaining corrective deeds, affidavits, or court orders. Our goal is to give you a title opinion you can rely on when making decisions about your property or investment.
We serve clients in Pittsburgh, Cecil, and communities across Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
If you need a title opinion for an oil and gas transaction, land purchase, or lease agreement, contact Kostrub Law Firm, PLLC at (304) 982-1586 or visit kostrublaw.com. Our attorneys are ready to review your property records and provide the answers you need.
A title search is the process of examining public records to trace the ownership history of a property. A title opinion is the legal document an attorney writes after reviewing those records, stating who holds ownership and identifying any defects.
The timeline depends on the property and the condition of the records. Most title opinions take one to three weeks to complete, though properties with long histories or missing documents may require more time.
In most cases, the energy company or the party requesting the opinion covers the cost. However, this can vary depending on the terms of the deal. Our team can advise you on what to expect.
It is strongly recommended. A title opinion confirms that you hold the mineral rights and that no other claims or defects exist. This protects both you and the lessee from future disputes.
Yes. If new transactions occur or additional records are found, an attorney can issue a supplemental or updated opinion to reflect the current state of the title.
