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.
Lis pendens: Latin for “a pending suit.” 1. Jurisdiction of a court over property until the final decision of a case. 2. A notice filed against public records warning the public that title to the property is in litigation (in court and not final).
A notice of pendency shall be effective for a period of three years from the date of filing. Before expiration of a period or extended period, the court, upon motion of the plaintiff and upon such notice as it may require, for good cause shown, may grant an extension for a like additional period.
At any time prior to entry of judgment, a notice of pendency shall be cancelled by the county clerk without an order, on the filing with him or her of: (a) An affidavit by the claiming authority showing which defendants have been served with process, which defendants are in default in appearing or answering, and which ...
If you are selling a property that is subject to a lis pendens, you must disclose this fact to potential buyers. Failure to do so could result in legal liability. Additionally, a lis pendens can make it difficult to sell a property as it may deter potential buyers who do not want to become involved in a legal dispute.
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.
File a request with the court to remove the lis pendens. Provide the legal reasons the lis pendens is improper, offering proof, for example, that the lis pendens affects real estate that is not connected to the litigation. If the lawsuit is frivolous and merely intended to harass the property owner, offer proof.
Homeowners can sell properties with liens. For a buyer to take possession of the property, the seller will need to clear title and satisfy all outstanding liens.