In oil and gas law, accuracy in land titles isn’t just important—it’s everything. Whether you’re a landowner, a drilling company, or someone with mineral rights in Pennsylvania, a defect in your title can delay or completely derail oil and gas operations. That’s where curative title litigation comes into play.
At Kostrub Law, we assist clients throughout Pittsburgh, PA with resolving title defects that affect their oil and gas interests. Our approach is proactive, focused, and based on years of experience in both energy law and property law. If you’ve encountered problems with unclear ownership, conflicting deeds, or missing documentation, we can help restore legal clarity.
Common Title Defects in Oil and Gas Transactions
Before a company drills or pays out royalties, it must ensure the ownership of the land and minerals is legally sound. However, many titles in Pennsylvania contain issues due to decades of transfers, outdated documents, or family inheritance disputes.
Some common title defects include:
- Gaps in the chain of title
- Incorrect or missing legal descriptions
- Unreleased prior interests or liens
- Unprobated estates or unclear heirs
- Mistakes in recorded deeds or transfers
These issues can prevent oil and gas transactions from moving forward. They also increase the legal risk for both landowners and operators. Through curative title litigation, attorneys can resolve these problems by clearing, correcting, or defending ownership in court.
How Kostrub Law Handles Curative Title Issues
Our legal team at Kostrub Law takes a personalized approach to curative title litigation in Pittsburgh. We start by conducting a detailed title review. This includes analyzing property records, lease agreements, and any division order title opinions that may have been issued.
Once we identify the issue, we explore all possible non-litigation solutions, including re-recordings, affidavits of heirship, or corrective deeds. But if a matter requires legal action, we’re fully prepared to represent your interests in court.
Our goal is to remove legal uncertainties so that your ownership is secure and your royalties or operational plans can proceed without delay.
Legal Support for Division Orders and Royalty Ownership
When a property has multiple owners or heirs, issuing a division order title opinion becomes necessary. This document confirms how royalty interests will be divided among stakeholders. But if even one person’s share is disputed or unclear, the entire payment process can come to a halt.
Our oil and gas royalty attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA are highly experienced in resolving disputes over royalty ownership and payment delays. We also help clients protect their future income by ensuring their estate plans reflect accurate title records.
Working with an Energy Law Firm in Pittsburgh
Choosing a local energy law firm like Kostrub Law gives you a significant advantage. We understand how Pennsylvania law treats land and mineral rights, and we know what local courts expect when handling curative cases.
Our legal services extend across Western PA and include Upper St. Clair, where many of our clients are landowners or energy investors concerned about asset protection. Whether it’s fixing a title issue or preparing your estate documents, our team is equipped to offer long-term legal solutions.
Estate Planning and Title Clarity
Many title issues arise because a landowner passed away without a proper estate plan in place. As estate planning lawyers, we help families in Pittsburgh avoid these issues by creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that clearly outline ownership and inheritance paths.
Our estate planning attorneys also assist in updating land records, so your heirs don’t have to fight over mineral rights or unpaid royalties in the future.
For those looking for estate planning techniques in Pittsburgh, PA that specifically address oil and gas holdings, Kostrub Law provides tailored advice to ensure your legacy remains protected and your assets are properly transferred.
When to Call a Title Litigation Attorney
If any of the following situations apply to you, it’s time to speak with an energy lawyer:
- You’ve been denied royalty payments due to unclear ownership
- Your lease or sale agreement has stalled due to a title defect
- A family member passed without a will, and their mineral rights are now disputed
- You’ve received conflicting claims on a property or oil and gas asset
- You want to clear old liens, claims, or outdated interests from your title
Kostrub Law can guide you through every step—from identifying the issue to filing the right legal actions and ultimately curing the title.
Why Choose Kostrub Law for Curative Title Litigation?
We’re not just a law firm—we’re a Pittsburgh-based energy law firm deeply rooted in the needs of Pennsylvania’s landowners and energy professionals. Clients turn to us for our responsiveness, accuracy, and ability to simplify complex legal problems.
Our deep understanding of oil and gas law, combined with our background in estate planning and asset protection, means we offer holistic solutions for property owners. Whether your challenge lies in a lease dispute or an inherited title mess, we’ll work to restore legal order and protect your financial interests.
You can learn more about our services by visiting KostrubLaw.com or view our office location on Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
In the energy world, unresolved title issues can mean serious delays and financial losses. At Kostrub Law, we make it our mission to help clients in and around Pittsburgh resolve title problems quickly, effectively, and with long-term protection in mind.
If you’re facing curative title challenges or need a local expert to guide your oil and gas transactions, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.