Section 12.0071 of the Texas Property Code contains a specific procedure for expunging (i.e., removing) an invalid lis pendens notice. To trigger the procedure, the property owner must file a motion to expunge the lis pendens in the court where the underlying lawsuit is pending.
A release of lis pendens under Texas law to provide notice to third parties that litigation is resolved and title to real property is no longer in controversy.
What Does Discharge of Lis Pendens Mean? If you receive a discharge of lis pendens, it means your property no longer has a claim or lawsuit against it.
Section 12.0071 - Motion to Expunge Lis Pendens (a) A party to an action in connection with which a notice of lis pendens has been filed may: (1) apply to the court to expunge the notice; and (2) file evidence, including declarations, with the motion to expunge the notice.
A lis pendens has no life of its own apart from the lawsuit that underlies it. If there is no lawsuit, there can be no valid lis pendens. “A lis pendens operates only during the pendency of the underlying suit, and only as to those matters that are involved in the suit.
A lis pendens does not have a statute of limitations per se. All a lis pendens is, is a notice to the "world" (assuming it is properly recorded with the appropriate recorder's office) that there is pending litigation which could affect title of the property.
A release of lis pendens under Texas law to provide notice to third parties that litigation is resolved and title to real property is no longer in controversy.
If someone has filed a Lis Pendens notice (which alerts others that there is a pending lawsuit involving a property), any party involved in the lawsuit can: Ask the court to remove the notice (e.g. Motion to Expunge). Notify all affected parties at least 20 days before the court hearing.
A Lis Pendens Depends on an Underlying Lawsuit A lis pendens has no life of its own apart from the lawsuit that underlies it. If there is no lawsuit, there can be no valid lis pendens. “A lis pendens operates only during the pendency of the underlying suit, and only as to those matters that are involved in the suit.