Split Estate issues come about when a landowner, or surface owner, does not have ownership to the minerals underneath their property. This is a common land ownership practice across the western United States. Most of the minerals and landownership in Laramie County is considered “Split Estate.” 

The Wyoming split estate act is a tribute to dozens if not hundreds of individuals—both in the state legislature and in communities throughout the state—who worked countless hours for three years to produce a law that provides landowners with some rights over oil and gas development occurring on their land. Learn more here.

Your best approach when faced with oil and gas operators who possess the right to develop the mineral estate of your property is to first of all, be prepared. Second, you should be clear from the start and insist on negotiating a surface use agreement that accommodates both parties. The split estate statute gives you that power. 

• Landowner Guidelines for Negotiating a Mineral Lease or Surface Use Agreement. 
• Information about Oil and Gas Leasing For Surface Owners Who Also Own Their Minerals.