A & M OIL, INC. v. Miller

Briscoe, J.:

Plaintiffs, A & M Oil, Inc., and A & M Leasing (hereinafter A & M), filed a declaratory judgment action asking the trial court to determine A & M’s interest in oil and gas leases obtained from the defendants, Francis and Joseph Cadoret, d/b/a Cadoret Oil Company, Douglas and Barbara Cunningham, and John and Cheri Wiehl (hereinafter landowners). The trial court concluded that A & M had commenced drilling operations within the one-year term of the leases, thereby extending the leases under the drilling operations clause contained in each lease.

The landowners contend the trial court…