Oil, Gas & Mineral Rights

Attorney Harry Klodowski and Attorney Ed Hull have assisted many property owners on negotiation of oil and natural gas leases for over 20 years.  New discovery of deep gas deposits including the Marcellus Shale and Trenton Sandstone in Central & Western Pennsylvania have caused a land rush to lease properties by major oil and gas companies.  Payments to property owners are far higher than they were a couple of years ago.  In addition, Attorney Klodowski has represented property owners in negotiation of coal and stone leases and also represented mining and drilling companies.

Many Pennsylvania property owners are receiving substantial payments from oil and gas leases that significantly increase their net worth for gift and estate tax purposes. The maximum rate for federal gift and estate taxes is currently 45% and is scheduled to increase to 55% within the next couple of years. Given these high rates, many of these landowners are implementing estate plans designed to reduce the negative impact of these taxes. The plans often involve family limited partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts. We are well versed in estate planning techniques such as these. If you have an interest in learning more about our estate planning practice, please feel free to call Attorney Ed Hull at our North Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office (724) 933-8400 or email him at ehull@bhklawpgh.com.