--- title: Can You Conduct A Seismic Survey Without the Landowner's Permission? description: Although the legal guidelines that govern seismic surveys and other energy-related land uses have been well-established, it's important for landowners to keep a few things in mind. image: https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/file-220074875-jpg/blogimages/land_survey_3.jpg --- [![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Courthouse_Images/logo-resized.png?width=408&name=logo-resized.png)](http://www.courthousedirect.com/) - [Sign In Here](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignIn.aspx) - [Sign Up/Pricing](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignUpPricing.aspx) - [Download](##) - [Search Records](##) - [FileViewer](##) - [GIS Map](##) - [Alerts](##) - [Title Research](##) - Data Services ![Download](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Download.jpeg?width=5184&name=Download.jpeg "Download") ### Description Current & Historical Deeds, Mortgages, Easements, Plats, Property Info, and Oil & Gas Records in over 3,000 Counties nationwide.  - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Real Property Documents](http://www.courthousedirect.com/DocumentImageInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-lein.png)[Deed & Mortgage Report](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/DeedMortgageInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Property Tax Report](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyTaxReportInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/sale-com.png)[Sales Comparable](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/SalesComparableInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Asset Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AssetSearchInfo.aspx) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/DocumentImages.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/O9JIbTsHAiU) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/DeedReport) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/PropertyTaxReport) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/SalesComparable) - [Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertyReports/DeedReport) ![GGIndexPic](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/GGIndexPic.jpg?width=155&name=GGIndexPic.jpg "GGIndexPic") ### Description Grantor Grantee Indexes and filtered searches for Counties in Texas, California & New Mexico. ###### TX Coverage : [Grid](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GeoIndex/TexasDataCoverage.aspx) [Map](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertySearch/Texas) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Grantor Grantee Indexes](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/GrantorGranteeInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/asset-search.png)[Adverse/Involuntary Liens](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AdverseLienInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Releases/Satisfactions](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/ReleaseInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Easements](http://www.courthousedirect.com/EasementSearch.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Plats/Maps](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PlatSearch.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[O&G Lease Check](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/LeaseCheckInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Texas Marriages](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Marriage-Certificate-Search) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Texas Divorces](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Divorce-Search) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Geo-Index Title Plants](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/GeoIndexInfo.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/IndexSearches.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/rCDjuhGLYEU) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/AdverseLienSearch.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/FeK8fh7RS3U) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ReleaseSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/EasementSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/PlatSearch.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/zwtkWZ4GNso) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Marriage-Certificate-Search) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Texas-Divorce-Search) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GEOIndex) ![Texas1](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/Texas1.jpg?width=425&name=Texas1.jpg "Texas1") ### Description FileViewer provides access to scanned indexes and image of (handwritten and typed) Real Property, Plats and Oil and Gas Records all over Texas and New Mexico [TX/NM Coverage](http://www.courthousedirect.com/docs/HDICoverage.pdf) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Historical Deeds & Indexes](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/HistoricalDocumentInfo.aspx) - [View Now](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GEOIndex/LogOn.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fGeoIndex%2fFileViewerB.aspx)[![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZxydfKTk4) ![GISMap](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/GISMap.jpeg?width=5000&name=GISMap.jpeg "GISMap") ### Description Nationwide Google Maps with overlay of Tax, Sales, Mortgage, Oil & Gas Leases, Pipelines and RRC information in Texas. ### Real Estate - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Tax Maps](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-tax.png)[Tax Records](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Recorded Plats](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/mail-label.png)[Mailing Labels](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MailingLabelInfo.aspx) ### Oil & Gas - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Pipelines](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Wells & Plats](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Pooling Reports](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[W-1 Reports](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/PropertyAppraisalInfo.aspx) - [Search](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) - [Search & Download](http://www.courthousedirect.com/GISLandingPage.aspx) ![LeaseAlert](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/LeaseAlert.jpeg?width=3100&name=LeaseAlert.jpeg "LeaseAlert") ### Description Email notifications of recently filed Oil & Gas related documents including Leases, Mineral Deeds, Royalty Deeds, Pooling Agreements, etc. in Texas and New Mexico. - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Lease Alert](https://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseAlert/Home/HowItWorks) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/LeaseAlertInfo.aspx) [![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/video.png)](http://youtu.be/zwtkWZ4GNso) ![titleInsurance](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/titleInsurance.jpg?width=155&name=titleInsurance.jpg "titleInsurance") ### Description In-depth research of ownership, minerals, liens and easements in Texas and New Mexico. This includes Run Sheets, Property Reports and Mineral Ownership Reports. ### Real Estate - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Manual Research](http://www.courthousedirect.com/Research.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/geo-index.png)[Deed & Lien Run Sheet](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/DeedLienRunSheetInfo.aspx) ### Oil & Gas - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/property-document.png)[Landman Starter](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/AbstractInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/oil-well-icon.png)[Lease Check](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx) -   - [Order Now](https://www.courthousedirect.com/ResearchRetrievalForm.aspx) - [Request A Quote](http://www.courthousedirect.com/OGTaxDeedMtgOrderForm.aspx/?type=deed) -   - [Request A Quote](http://www.courthousedirect.com/OGRequestQuote.aspx) - [Search O&G Orders](http://www.courthousedirect.com/LeaseCheck.aspx) ![DataServices](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/DataServices.jpeg?width=4038&name=DataServices.jpeg "DataServices") ### Description Learn how we can help you get more value out of data. - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-lein.png)[API Integration](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/APIIntegrationInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/deed-plats.png)[Starter Exchange](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/StarterExchangeInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/grantee-index.png)[Title Plant Building](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/TitlePlantBuildingInfo.aspx) - ![](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Mega%20Menu%20Images%20-%20Sep2018/mail-label.png)[Mortgage Marketing Leads](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MortgageMarketingLeadsInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/APIIntegrationInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/StarterExchangeInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/TitlePlantBuildingInfo.aspx) - [More Info](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProductInfo/MortgageMarketingLeadsInfo.aspx) # Can You Conduct A Seismic Survey Without the Landowner's Permission? Posted by CourthouseDirect.com Team - 14 August, 2013 - - - - - [mailto:?&subject=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/315123/can-you-conduct-a-seismic-survey-without-the-landowner-s-permission&body=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/315123/can-you-conduct-a-seismic-survey-without-the-landowner-s-permission](mailto:?&subject=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/315123/can-you-conduct-a-seismic-survey-without-the-landowner-s-permission&body=https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/315123/can-you-conduct-a-seismic-survey-without-the-landowner-s-permission) ![header-picture](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/woman-notebook-working-girl.png "header-picture") ![seismic](https://info.courthousedirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Image%20Fix/Depositphotos_49310549_original.jpg?width=4400&name=Depositphotos_49310549_original.jpg)For years, [seismic surveys](http://geology.utah.gov/surveynotes/gladasked/gladseismicsurveys.htm) have been a cornerstone of the American energy industry. New technologies have standardized and simplified the seismic survey process, and it's now commonplace for landowners in energy-rich regions to commission them at regular intervals. Although the legal guidelines that govern seismic surveys and other energy-related land uses have been well-established, it's important for landowners to keep a few things in mind. ### **How Do Seismic Surveys Work?** Prospectors and drillers use seismic surveys to locate and catalog deposits of oil and natural gas. Modern seismic surveys are efficient, regimented processes that can provide detailed sub-surface pictures in two, three and even four dimensions. [Land surveyors](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ProfessionalLandingPages/Surveyors.aspx) use specialized trucks that have been outfitted with sonar-like devices to record these images along a comprehensive grid.  Since seismic surveys often cover large areas and produce localized images, they can have significant impacts on the land that they cover. It's not uncommon for surveyors to clear wide paths through brush or woodland to allow easy truck access. Moreover, the [land survey process](https://my.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/223923/Why-are-Land-Surveys-Important) is a labor-intensive affair that can increase the likelihood of on-site accidents. Of course, the end result of a seismic survey is an informative and potentially lucrative map of the mineral resources of a given parcel.  ### **Permission and Access** In most states, firms that conduct seismic surveys aren't required to obtain explicit permissions from the landowners whose properties might be affected. Since surveys often cover wide tracts of land in areas with moderate population densities, it can be time-consuming and impractical to obtain permission from every single affected landowner. Moreover, advances in surveying technology have made it possible to conduct comprehensive surveys of smaller parcels from adjacent pieces of land. Surveying firms that gain access to privately or publicly held plots of land are legally obligated to compensate landowners for any damage or "non-normal use" that occurs during the process. ### **Pre-Survey Procedures** The seismic survey process is not inexpensive, and as a result, it demands careful preparation. Before setting foot on a target parcel, surveyors must study the land and set up a "plan of attack" that minimizes the duration and impact of the survey. If local or state law requires it, they may also need to obtain landowner permission, survey permits or public land-use permits. The pre-survey period also features a set-up phase during which surveyors place "listening" devices at carefully determined intervals. These pieces of equipment serve as the primary data-collection mechanism for modern geological surveys. ### **Important Restrictions to Seismic Survey Land Use** Although certain jurisdictions don't require surveyors to obtain permission from landowners before conducting seismic surveys, [property owners](https://my.courthousedirect.com/blog/bid/210022/Who-Owns-the-Land-you-Live-on) in virtually every U.S. jurisdiction enjoy some important rights and protections. Most importantly, surveying firms that don't take the time to obtain legal permission or land-use permits from rightful landowners may be prohibited from using any of their parcels' improvements.  This "improvement use restriction" extends to the most basic land improvements, including roads, bridges and tracks. Surveying firms that wish to gain access to the interior of a specific parcel must create separate points of ingress and egress. They must also compensate landowners for any land damage related to the construction of new roads and bridges on the property. Landowners who wish to commission a seismic survey on their property without granting unrestricted access to the surveying firm should draw up a binding contract to which both parties can agree. Modern seismic surveys are usually low-impact affairs that can dramatically enhance the attractiveness of the parcels that they cover. However, they do give rise to a number of thorny land-use issues. Although it might not be required by law in certain jurisdictions, surveying firms should take pains to obtain the appropriate permits before performing their work. *\* Image courtesy of stock.xchng* Topics: [Surveying](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/surveying) --- ### Recent Posts By CourthouseDirect.com Team - March 08, 2021 #### What are the Features of a Title Plant? [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/property-title-search-in-texas) By CourthouseDirect.com Team - February 26, 2021 #### What You Need to Know About Texas Public Records [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-texas-public-records) By CourthouseDirect.com Team - November 18, 2020 #### How to Eliminate Issues Locating Child Support Liens [![read more](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/685080/IMG-TurboSodium/Sodium%20v2/blog/arrow-recent-blog-post.png "read more")](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/common-issues-locating-child-support-liens) --- ### Subscribe to our updates Search [![landman ebook](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/206668/9d43f533-4304-4415-bf38-d5b8c89fe5ec.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/206668/9d43f533-4304-4415-bf38-d5b8c89fe5ec) ### Categories - [Courthouse Documents (75)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/courthouse-documents) - [CourthouseDirect.com (27)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/courthousedirect-com) - [Events (1)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/events) - [Finance (61)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/finance) - [Legal (106)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/legal) - [Mortgage (34)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/mortgage) - [Oil and Gas (133)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/oil-and-gas) - [Product Updates (1)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/product-updates) - [Real Estate (147)](https://info.courthousedirect.com/blog/topic/real-estate) ### About CourthouseDirect.com CourthouseDirect.com is committed to providing fast, accurate and affordable courthouse documents and research by using the potential of the Internet to cut costs and save time associated with obtaining public records and thereby eliminating inefficiencies and revolutionizing the delivery of courthouse information nationwide. ### Contact Info - 713.683.4000 - [information@CourthouseDirect.com](mailto:information@CourthouseDirect.com) ### Site Map - [About](http://www.courthousedirect.com/About.aspx) - [Customer Service](http://www.courthousedirect.com/ContactUs.aspx) - [My Account](http://www.courthousedirect.com/SignIn.aspx?ReturnURL=http://www.courthousedirect.com/MyAccount.aspx) - [Privacy Policy and Terms of Service](https://www.courthousedirect.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx) - [Help](http://www.courthousedirect.com/FAQ.aspx) - [Blog](https://my.courthousedirect.com/blog) - [County Info Page](https://www.courthousedirect.com/AvailableCountyImages.aspx) - [Data Coverage](https://www.courthousedirect.com/GeoIndex/TexasDataCoverage.aspx) ### Partner Sites - [CourthouseSpecialists.com](http://www.courthousespecialists.com/) ### Research Tools - [Ownership Search](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Property) - [Lien Search](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Liens) - [Abbreviations](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Abbreviations) - [Definitions](https://www.courthousedirect.com/popuptools.aspx?type=Definitions) ### Other Links - [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/courthousedirect/) - [twitter](https://twitter.com/chdirect) - [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/user/CourthouseAcademy?feature=mhee) - [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/331351/?pathWildcard=331351) © 2026 COURTHOUSEDIRECT.COM. CourthouseDirect.com does not warrant the information contained herein. Site created and maintained by CourthouseDirect.com, Inc.