My wife's great-grandfather family heirs has the mineral rights on 260 acres that original lease goes back to 1935.  The heirs have been getting royalties along the way.  Recently, we got a notice with the royalty check if we were "interested in liquidating our interest" to fill out and return. Shortly afterward, we got a phone call asking to ratify the existing lease (not sure what that really means).  Land man was pushing to meet with us quickly to sign. Wife asked him to mail documents for our review and consideration. In the package was additional documentation (with blanks and tabs for signatures).Not a good sign. It appears to me that the original lease was for three wells based on the time frame required to drill and the reductions set in rental rates for subsequent wells.

The ratification is apparently for unitization for the right to pool, unitize or combine all oor parts of the leased premises or one or more stratum or strata.  I'm trying to figure out is this essentially an new lease or a continuation of the existing lease? Should we be able to negotiate the terms and conditions of this ratification?

Come to find out, they have done sight work and are planning to start drilling soon.  Would this be eligible for a delay in marketing fee or bonus money? What should that entail?