Examination of Abstracts: The examination of an abstract is necessary to determine the ownership of land (“surface”) and/or mineral interests associated with the land. The examination will also disclose whether there are any liens affecting the property, easements across the property, claims against the property and other matters which may affect the ownership or use of the land. An examination done to determine mineral interests will disclose the owners of the mineral interests, the percent that each owns, leases of the interests and the identity of any persons entitled to royalty payments. After an attorney has examined an abstract to determine the ownership of the surface, a title opinion and/or commitment to issue title insurance will be issued. The findings of the attorney concerning an examination of the mineral interests will be set forth in an “oil and gas” title opinion. Probate Law: Probate law generally involves all matters which concern the distribution of property after a person’s death. If a court proceeding is required it may be a “probate”, which involves distribution of property according to the terms of a Last Will and Testament, or an “Administration” which occurs when there is no Will. In the case of an administration the property will be distributed according to the laws of “intestate succession” to the decedent’s heirs at law. After death property may also be distributed by other means, such as by: Joint tenancy with right of survivorship Transfer on death or payable on death provisions Beneficiary designations The terms of a Trust Estate Planning: Closely associated with Probate Law is the area of Estate Planning. One function of this field of law involves the preparation of documents which provide for the distribution of a client’s property at death or which grant authority to another person to deal with assets during one’s lifetime. These documents may include: Last Wills and Testaments (“Wills”) Powers of Attorney (Durable or Non-Durable) Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts Many of our members who practice Probate Law also provide Estate Planning services Real Estate Law: “Real Estate Law” is a very broad category which includes all matters affecting the ownership and use of land. Some of these matters are: Clearing title to land such as by a “Quiet Title Suit” Dealing with issues concerning liens affecting land Dealing with issues concerning easements over land Presenting or contesting zoning change requests Preparation and review of deeds and mortgages Preparation and review of contracts to sell or purchase real estate Preparation and review of leases of real estate Dealing with all issues concerning oil, gas, coal and other mineral ownership or rights. Formation and representation of homeowner’s associations.