Robert M. Hallmark & Associates, Inc. v. Athens/Alpha Gas Corp. (In re Athens/Alpha Gas Corp.)

MAHONEY, Bankruptcy Judge.

The appellants appeal from an order of the bankruptcy court dated April 19, 2005, denying their claim for administrative expenses. For the reasons stated below, we reverse.

Facts & Procedural History

The parties jointly own an oil and gas well in North Dakota. The debtor operates it and owns approximately 50 percent of the working interest. The appellants own approximately 45 percent of the working interest in the well. The parties divide income and expenses based on these percentages.

The debtor filed its Chapter 11 petition in October 2002. Post-petition, the well…