Maximizing Your Stephens County Mineral Rights: A Guide to Probate and Trust Funding

Stephens County, Oklahoma – Known historically as the “Oil Capital of the World” during the early 20th-century boom, Stephens County has reclaimed its status as a vital energy hub in the modern SCOOP play. Today, the county is a primary target for the Woodford, Sycamore, and Springer formations. For families who have held mineral rights here for generations, the surge in horizontal drilling has turned dormant acreage into significant financial legacies that require careful legal stewardship.

A Deep Dive into Stephens County’s Energy Landscape:

• Top-Tier Production: As of early 2026, Stephens County consistently ranks in the top 10 most productive counties in Oklahoma. Recent data shows it accounts for over 5% of the state’s total oil production, often exceeding 450,000 barrels of oil monthly.
• The Heart of the SCOOP: Stephens County is a core component of the South-Central Oklahoma Oil Province. Unlike the STACK to the north, the SCOOP is prized for its high oil-to-gas ratios, leading to higher early-well returns for royalty owners.
• Massive Economic Footprint: With a national energy production rank often in the top 80, the value of oil and gas extracted here is a major driver of the local economy, particularly in the Duncan area.
• Legacy and Modern Wells: The county features a unique mix of over 1,700 active producing wells. While thousands of legacy vertical wells still dot the landscape, modern high-volume horizontal wells are now the primary source of new royalty wealth.
• Key Industry Players: Operators with concentrated practice in Stephens County include Continental Resources, Gulfport Energy, Marathon Oil, and Chevron. Their long-term presence underscores the county’s continued viability.

Why Does This Matter to You, the Mineral Owner?

Because many mineral interests in Stephens County have been passed down through families for nearly a century, title issues are incredibly common.

• Mineral Rights Probate: It is common for royalties to go into “suspense” because the last record owner passed away years ago without a formal probate. In Oklahoma, a probate is often the only way to clear title so that current heirs can receive their checks from companies like Continental or Marathon. Out of State and Ancillary Probate See Mineral Probate Page
• Trust Funding for SCOOP Assets: Given the high liquids value of the SCOOP play, these minerals are perfect candidates for a living trust. However, your estate plan only works if the minerals are correctly deeded into the trust. Our firm specializes in the detailed title work required to move Stephens County assets into your trust, preventing the need for future court intervention.

A Heritage of Energy: From the Halliburton Legacy to the Chisholm Trail

Stephens County’s identity is inseparable from the energy industry. Duncan, the county seat, is the birthplace of Halliburton Energy Services, founded by Erle P. Halliburton in 1919. This legacy of innovation continues today as Duncan remains a global center for oilfield technology and service.

Beyond oil, the county is steeped in Western history. The historic Chisholm Trail runs directly through the county, and the Stephens County Historical Museum in Duncan’s Fuqua Park beautifully preserves the artifacts of the pioneers and “wildcatters” who built this region.

Just as the early innovators in Duncan secured their place in history, you should secure your family’s place in the future. In the high-stakes SCOOP play, protecting your minerals through proper probate and trust funding is the best way to honor your family’s legacy.

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