Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our abstracting and record research services in Taylor County, Texas.
Abstract & Title Research
What is an abstract of title?
An abstract of title is a comprehensive report documenting every recorded instrument that affects a specific parcel of land in Taylor County. It includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, mineral conveyances, and other encumbrances found in the official county deed records. Taylor County Abstract Company prepares abstracts directly from the Taylor County Clerk's indexed records, covering TBD–present. Attorneys use abstracts to render legal title opinions for real estate transactions, lending, and litigation.
What is a runsheet?
A runsheet is a chronological compilation of all recorded instruments in the Taylor County records for a specific survey or abstract area. Unlike a full abstract, a runsheet covers an entire survey — not just one tract — and does not include copies of the referenced instruments. Runsheets are commonly used by landmen for mineral rights investigations and lease acquisition programs in the Taylor County area.
What is the difference between an abstract and title insurance?
An abstract of title is a factual report documenting what the official Taylor County records contain — recorded instruments, not guarantees. Title insurance is a separate financial product issued by licensed underwriters that protects against losses from undisclosed claims or off-record defects. Taylor County Abstract Company provides abstract and record research services. We do not issue title insurance policies, commitments, or binders. For title insurance, contact a licensed title underwriter.
How much does a title search cost in Taylor County?
Title search costs in Taylor County vary based on the type of search, the size of the tract, and the number of instruments involved. Taylor County Abstract Company provides custom quotes for every order rather than fixed pricing. Submit a search request with your legal description and we will review the scope and return a quote before any work begins. There is no obligation until you accept the quote.
How long does a title search take?
Most runsheets and name searches in Taylor County are completed within 24 to 48 hours. Abstracts of title and chain of title searches typically take 48 to 72 hours depending on the complexity and depth of the record history. Custom research timelines are discussed at the time of the quote. We will contact you in advance if a search will exceed the estimated turnaround.
What is a chain of title?
A chain of title is the sequence of recorded conveyances — deeds, assignments, and other instruments — that trace ownership of a specific property from one owner to the next. A chain of title search in Taylor County identifies these instruments in the deed records and returns them as a curated list or targeted runsheet. It is more focused than a full abstract, which documents all recorded instruments of every type.
What are mineral rights and why do they matter in Texas?
In Texas, mineral rights can be legally separated from surface rights through recorded conveyances. The mineral estate owner holds the right to explore, develop, and profit from subsurface resources including oil, gas, and other minerals. This separation is common throughout Taylor County and surrounding areas. An oil, gas, and mineral search identifies all mineral-related instruments in the Taylor County records for a given tract — critical for lease acquisition and due diligence.
Do I need an abstract for a real estate closing?
Whether you need an abstract depends on your transaction requirements. Attorneys, lenders, and title companies often require a current abstract of title before rendering a title opinion or issuing title insurance. In Taylor County, where direct access to the county deed records is essential, an independent abstract from Taylor County Abstract Company provides thorough, reliable title evidence. Contact us to discuss what type of search fits your situation.
Ordering & Process
What information do I need to order a search?
At minimum, provide the legal description of the property — typically the survey name and abstract number, or the lot, block, and subdivision for platted land in Taylor County. Specify the type of search you need. For name searches, provide the full legal name and date range. For supplemental searches, include the effective date of the prior search. The more detail you provide, the more accurately we can scope and quote your order.
What areas does Taylor County Abstract Company cover?
Taylor County Abstract Company serves all of Taylor County, Texas — including Abilene and the surrounding communities. Our searches cover every survey and abstract area in the county, with records coverage spanning TBD–present. All searches are conducted directly from the official Taylor County Clerk's indexed records.
What records does Taylor County Abstract Company search?
We search the official deed records indexed at the Taylor County Clerk's office in Abilene, Texas. Our coverage includes deeds, deeds of trust, oil and gas leases, mineral conveyances, assignments, releases, liens, easements, rights of way, and probate instruments indexed in the county records. Coverage spans TBD–present.
How do I submit a search request?
Use the Request a Search form on our website to submit your order details including the legal description, county, and type of search needed. Taylor County Abstract Company will review your request, prepare a custom quote, and deliver results within the stated turnaround time after you accept the quote. You can also call us at 325-977-9462 or email info@taylorcountyabstract.com.
Surface Rights vs. Mineral Rights
What is the difference between surface rights and mineral rights in Texas?
Surface rights and mineral rights are separate legal estates under Texas law. The surface estate grants the right to use the land's surface, while the mineral estate grants the right to explore for and extract subsurface resources including oil, gas, and other minerals. In Taylor County, mineral severances are common — meaning the surface and mineral estates are frequently owned by different parties. Taylor County Abstract Company can search the county records to identify these interests.
How do I find out who owns the mineral rights on a property in Taylor County?
Determining mineral ownership in Taylor County requires a search of the official deed records at the Taylor County Clerk's office. An oil, gas, and mineral search identifies all recorded mineral conveyances, reservations, and assignments affecting the property. Because mineral interests can be divided and conveyed separately from the surface over many decades, a thorough record search through Taylor County Abstract Company is the only reliable way to establish the current mineral ownership chain.