(a) The court shall consider the petition and may in its absolute discretion require that other persons as it deems proper be made parties to the proceeding. The court may hear testimony to determine whether or not the execution of the lease is advisable.
(b) The court shall also determine what part of the bonus consideration paid for the lease; of the delay rentals, if any, accruing thereunder; of the other payments, if any, provided for therein; and of the royalties reserved therein and accruing thereunder, not exceeding one-half (½) of the royalties, should be awarded the life tenant as compensation for the lease upon his or her interest in the premises and for the damage to his or her life estate on account of the execution of the lease.
Structure Arkansas Code
Title 15 - Natural Resources and Economic Development
Subtitle 5 - Mineral Resources Generally
Chapter 56 - Mineral Lands And Interests
Subchapter 4 - Leases by Life Tenants
§ 15-56-402. Authority to execute leases
§ 15-56-403. Petition to lease by life tenant — Contents
§ 15-56-404. Court determination
§ 15-56-405. Court order — Disposition of royalties
§ 15-56-407. Confirmation of lease by court — Effect
§ 15-56-408. Divestiture of contingent remaindermen's title
§ 15-56-409. Service of process on respondents — Hearing on petition