If oil and gas can be produced in commercial quantities, interest owners are responsible for clearing title to the oil, gas and mineral interest ownership for production on the property.

After a title is cleared, Division Orders will be issued to the interest owners for signature. The Division Order includes the name of each interest owner, the decimal interest for each interest owner, a legal description of the property, and the operator's name. When this procedure is completed, revenue payments will begin.

When an ownership is being transferred between parties, Transfer Orders will be issued to each party for signature. The Transfer Order includes the name of each interest owner, the decimal interest for each interest owner, a legal description of the property, and the operator's name. A W-9 may also be required from the new interest owner. When this procedure is complete, revenue payments will begin.

Changes in ownership are common during the life of the well. Written documentation is required for any change in ownership. For example:

• Transfer of assignment of interest to another party

• Change in marital status

• Death of an interest owner

• Changes to a decimal interest

• Changes in property boundaries or description

Occasionally revenue payments are suspended for the interest owner's protection. Some examples of when suspension might occur are:

• When we do not have your current mailing address

• When the title to your interest is disputed or in question

• When an assignment or transfer of your interest is pending

• Upon notification of the death of an interest owner

Address changes must be provided to us in writing by letter or email for your protection. Requests will be accepted by telephone but must be followed up in writing before any changes will be made. Send email changes of address to jjohns @ woldoil.com

A Division Order is a document signed by the interest owner verifying to the purchaser or operator of a well the decimal interest for that owner. It also requires the interest owner to provide the owner's correct mailing address and tax identification number.

A transfer order is a document signed by each party involved in a transfer of interest ownership that verifies the transfer. The same information is required as for a Division Order.

A deed or assignment must be prepared to transfer your interest. You may wish to consult with an attorney for preparation of this document. A recorded copy of that conveyance must be provided to our offices.

Address changes must be provided to us in writing by letter or email for your protection. You should include your name, old address, new address, owner number, tax identification number and signature. For changes in marital status, a copy of your marriage license or certificate must be provided.

How Do I Clear the Title to My Oil and Gas Interests?

When a well is first drilled, an attorney will prepare a title opinion of the ownership of the well based on a thorough search of the county records. If there is a question regarding ownership of title, the attorney will notify the operator with the requirement needs to clear the title question. The operator will, in turn, notify the interest owner of the problem and suggested resolution. At that point, it is up to the interest owner to clear the title and provide proof to the operator.

When Are Revenue Payments Suspended?

For the protection of the interest owner, revenue payments are suspended when there is a title dispute, the interest being assigned or transferred to another party, the interest owner is deceased, or no current mailing address is available for the interest owner. It is the responsibility of the interest owner to notify the operator and / or purchaser of any changes in ownership, address or marital status.

The "Other" column represents different things for different oil and gas fields. For Austin Creek, Finley Draw, Taylor and Ross fields, the "Other" column represents processing deductions. The Big Sand Draw and Long Creek fields have a state severance tax adjustment in this column.