The Affiliate Trap: How Operators Sell Your Gas to Themselves at a Discount
Your lease says 'no deductions,' but your royalty check is still shrinking. Here is the accounting trick operators use to bypass your lease protections.
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The Mineral Rights Journal
Expert insights to help mineral owners make informed decisions
The “Market Enhancement” Illusion: How West Virginia Operators Tricked You Into Paying Their Pipeline Bill
How SWN, Antero, and others used the Market Enhancement Clause to bypass West Virginia law and quietly deduct 30% from your royalty checks.
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The “Dead Pipe” Trap: How Oklahoma’s Multi-Unit Wells Quietly Dilute Your Royalty
Oklahoma’s multi-unit horizontal wells have a hidden math problem. Find out how unperforated pipe dilutes your family's royalty checks.
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The 25-Year Escrow Trap: How Virginia’s Coalbed Methane Law Took Your Royalties Hostage
Millions in gas royalties were locked in a Virginia state escrow account for decades. Here is how the law trapped families and what it takes to get out.
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The “No Deductions” Mirage: How Three Words in Your Texas Lease Can Erase Your Cost-Free Royalty
You paid a lawyer to write a cost-free royalty clause. Your check still shows 20% in deductions. Here is why the phrase 'at the well' ruins Texas leases.
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The 200% Carry: New Mexico’s Forced-Pooling Sting
Think ignoring a lease offer in New Mexico protects your minerals? Learn how the state can force you into a deal with a 1/8 royalty and a massive penalty.
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The Tax Before the Check: How Kansas Takes Its Cut First
Kansas can take severance tax out of your royalty money before you ever get paid. Here is how K.S.A. 79-4222 taxes frozen suspense accounts.
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The Unleased Owner Tax: No Lease, Still Deducted
How Louisiana operators force you into a unit, sell your gas without a lease, and then fight you in court over the deductions.
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The Lease You Never Got to Negotiate
How the executive right holder in Texas can sign the mineral lease, keep the bonus, and drag you along for the ride.
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The State Is Your Secret Mineral Partner
Why your 'private' West Texas minerals might actually belong to the State—and what the Relinquishment Act means for your family's land.
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The 500% Penalty Prairie — How Nebraska Can Force-Pool You and Hold Back Your Share Until the Well Pays Out at 5x
Nebraska's forced pooling laws carry a massive 500% risk penalty for unleased mineral owners. Here is how the math actually works.
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The 3/16 Safety Valve: Alabama’s Weird Forced-Pooling Math
Alabama has a unique forced-pooling law. If you say no, the operator can hit you with a 150% penalty—but they still have to pay you a 3/16 royalty.
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