Contract Disputes & Master Service Agreements
The oil and gas industry operates on a foundation of contracts: master service agreements, drilling contracts, purchase agreements, and joint operating agreements. These all define the rights and obligations between parties. When disputes arise, our attorneys work to protect our clients' contractual rights while pursuing resolutions that allow business relationships to continue when possible.
We represent clients in disputes involving breach of contract claims, payment disagreements, scope of work conflicts, and indemnification issues. Our approach focuses on understanding the commercial context of the dispute and developing strategies that align with our clients' broader business objectives. For Dallas-based energy companies managing multiple service relationships and operational agreements, we provide counsel that accounts for both immediate legal concerns and long-term business considerations.
Royalty and Revenue Disputes
Mineral rights owners and royalty interest holders face unique challenges when payments don't match expectations or when operators fail to provide adequate accounting.
The Stuart Firm advocates for clients in disputes involving:
- Underpayment or non-payment of royalties
- Post-production cost deductions that reduce royalty payments
- Lease interpretation disagreements
- Division order disputes
- Abandoned wells and restoration obligations
For mineral rights owners whose interests span multiple counties or formations, tracking production and verifying proper payment can become complicated. Our firm assists clients in reviewing production records, analyzing payment calculations, and pursuing claims when operators fail to meet their obligations.
Property Rights and Title Issues
A clear title to mineral rights and surface rights forms the foundation of oil and gas development. We handle disputes involving competing ownership claims, boundary disputes, access rights, and surface use agreements. When title defects threaten development or when multiple parties claim ownership of the same minerals, we work to resolve these issues through negotiation or litigation.
Dallas investors and companies acquiring mineral interests need thorough due diligence to identify potential title problems before completing transactions. Our firm assists with title examination, curative work, and negotiation of purchase agreements that address identified risks.
Regulatory Compliance and Permitting
Texas oil and gas operations are subject to oversight by the Railroad Commission of Texas and other state and local regulatory bodies. For companies operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, where drilling activity intersects with urban development, regulatory challenges often require careful attention to both state energy law and local ordinances. The Stuart Firm assists clients in navigating compliance requirements, responding to enforcement actions, and handling permitting issues that affect their operations.
Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
When negotiations break down, we represent clients in state and federal court litigation involving oil and gas disputes. We also handle arbitration and mediation proceedings, which many industry contracts require as a first step toward resolution. Our attorneys prepare cases thoroughly and advocate aggressively for our clients, whether in a courtroom, arbitration panel, or mediation session.
Dial (432) 284-4411 or reach out online to discuss your oil and gas legal matter with attorneys who understand the energy industry.
