The notice of lis pendens is an announcement to the whole world that a particular real property is in litigation, and serves as a warning that one who acquires an interest over said property does so at his own risk, or that he gambles on the result of the litigation over said property.
Cancellation of lis pendens. Before final judgment, a notice of lis pendens may be cancelled upon order of the court, after proper showing that the notice is for the purpose of molesting the adverse party, or that it is not necessary to protect the rights of the party who caused it to be registered.
To annotate a notice of lis pendens, the following elements must be present: (a) the property must be of such character as to be subject to the rule; (b) the court must have jurisdiction both over the person and the res; and (c) the property or res involved must be sufficiently described in the pleadings.
Cancellation of lis pendens - Before final judgment, a notice of lis pendens may be cancelled upon order of the court, after proper showing that the notice is for the purpose of molesting the adverse party, or that it is not necessary to protect the rights of the party who caused it to be registered.
The doctrine of lis pendens is founded upon reasons of public policy and necessity, the purpose of which is to keep the properties in litigation within the power of the court until the litigation is terminated, and to prevent the defeat of the judgment or decree by subsequent alienation.
Other than resolution of the pending lawsuit, the only way to remove a lis pendens is by expungement, which requires a court order from a circuit judge. If you refuse service or the action is otherwise delayed, the lis pendens remains intact, making it difficult to sell or otherwise transfer a property.
Under North Carolina law judgment liens expire ten years from entry of the judgement.
§ 44A-12(d) – A Claim of Lien on Property may not be amended; it must be cancelled, and a new lien substituted within 120-day filing timeframe. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-13 – Lawsuit to enforce Claim of Lien on Property; required to be brought within 180 days of last furnishing.
North Carolina does not provide or require statutory forms for lien waivers. For a lien waiver to be valid in North Carolina, it must be done by express agreement clearly stating intent to waive lien rights. Lien waivers will fall under two categories: progress payments and final payments.
North Carolina imposes no specific licensing requirement in order to file a valid mechanics lien.