Montana Division Orders: An In-Depth Explanation In the state of Montana, Division Orders play a vital role in the oil and gas industry. A Division Order is a legal document that establishes the proportionate ownership and distribution of proceeds from the production of oil and gas among the various parties involved, including mineral rights owners, operators, and royalty interest holders. Montana boasts a rich history in oil and gas exploration, and Division Orders are essential in ensuring fair and accurate distribution of revenue generated from these resources. When an oil or gas well is drilled in Montana, a Division Order is typically created to provide a detailed breakdown of the ownership interests and rights of each party involved. Key aspects covered in a Montana Division Order include the identification of the well and specific lease or property affected, the names and addresses of all interest owners, their respective ownership percentages, and the decimal interests attributed to each party. Decimal interests are calculated based on the ownership percentages and are used to determine the proportionate distribution of revenue generated by the well. Different types of Montana Division Orders may exist, each tailored to specific circumstances and parties involved. Here are three commonly encountered types: 1. Mineral Interest Division Order: This type of Division Order is used when the mineral rights' owner, who holds the legal title to the minerals beneath the surface, has entered into an agreement with an operator to extract oil or gas. The Division Order outlines the mineral owner's ownership percentage and the corresponding decimal interest. 2. Royalty Interest Division Order: When a landowner leases their mineral rights to an operator, they are entitled to a royalty interest, which represents a share of the gross production revenue. Royalty owners are provided with a Division Order specifying their percentage of royalty interest and decimal interest, ensuring accurate distribution of royalty payments. 3. Overriding Royalty Interest (ORRIS) Division Order: In some cases, parties other than the mineral rights owner and lessor may hold overriding royalty interests. These interests are created out of the working interest but do not reduce the revenue derived by the mineral rights owner or lessee. ORRIS Division Orders ascertain the share of overriding royalties to be disbursed to holders based on their respective interests. To conclude, Montana Division Orders are fundamental legal documents that establish the ownership interests and distribution of revenue generated from oil and gas production in the state. Mineral Interest Division Orders, Royalty Interest Division Orders, and Overriding Royalty Interest Division Orders are all essential subtypes utilized to ensure fair allocation of proceeds among the various parties involved.