Title searches are crucial for preventing potential legal issues after a property transaction. A title search is a comprehensive examination of public records to verify the legal ownership of a property and identify any encumbrances or claims against it.

The ownership of mineral rights sits at the foundation of the oil and gas industry. There always is a need to understand and negotiate mineral rights, whether the goal is to purchase or divest the mineral rights. This search involves reviewing public records, such as land deeds, title abstracts, and government documents, to trace the history of land ownership and identify who holds the rights to the minerals beneath the surface. The process often includes examining past transactions, leases, and any conveyances of mineral rights to determine whether these rights have been sold, transferred, or retained by the current landowner. A thorough mineral rights search is essential to avoid legal disputes, ensure proper compensation for landowners, and confirm that energy companies have the right to extract resources from the land.

A landman is a professional in the oil, gas, or mining industries responsible for securing land rights and managing land-related agreements. Their primary duties include negotiating land leases, lease mineral take-off, title examination, division of interest and ownership, locating missing owners, seismic permitting and options, acquiring mineral rights, and ensuring legal compliance with property ownership. Landmen conduct title searches to confirm land ownership and resolve any disputes, while also working with landowners to secure necessary permissions for exploration and extraction. They serve as intermediaries between landowners and energy companies, facilitating communication and ensuring that both parties adhere to the terms of agreements. Landmen may also handle surface rights, environmental regulations, and manage the documentation for contracts and permits related to resource development.