If I own mineral rights and chose to give my cousin (by marriage) deeding property over to her ...3 acre as to live on and I want to retain my mineral rights...where does surface rights come into play.. What does thar mean if they bring that pipeline on to her property..does she get the royalities or can I retain the surface rights also. I'm talking about the right away for the new pipeline going in in Monroe county. Can I retain surface rights along with mineral rights?