In Latin, the term lis pendens means pending litigation; it is a legal notice recorded for the public disclosure that a lawsuit is ongoing and claims a specific property. Such an action is called a “notice of pendency of action” under California Code of Civil Procedure § 405.2.
A memorandum of lis pendens admitted to record in an action to enforce a zoning ordinance shall expire after 180 days.
A lis pendens is a notice that a lawsuit has been filed regarding either a dispute in ownership of real estate or some other claim of interest in the property.
The doctrine requires more than a mere allegation of a pending suit; it requires proof the prior case is the same, the parties are substantially the same, and the relief requested is the same. This three-pronged identity test must be strictly applied when a party seeks to dismiss a claim under the doctrine.
The suit or proceeding must be pending before a competent court of jurisdiction. A right to immovable property is directly or specifically involved in the suit. The suit or proceeding must not be collusive. The property in dispute must be transferred or otherwise dealt with by any party to suit.
Recording with the Circuit Court Clerk: Once drafted, the lis pendens memorandum must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Recording ensures that the memorandum becomes part of the public record and is accessible to anyone conducting due diligence on the property.
A notice of pendency (also known as a lis pendens ) is a written notice of a judicial proceeding that affects the ownership of property.
For judgments entered in a general district court on or after January 1, 1985, no execution shall be issued or action brought on such judgment, including a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth, after ten years from the date of such judgment except as provided in § 16.1-69.55 B 4.
Judgment Liens: State Va. Code §8.01-458 and 8.01-251 Expire 20 years from date entered, and may be renewed for an additional 20 years If real estate has been conveyed to a BFP, the lien is unenforceable 10 years after date of transfer. Known as “10 year out of title” rule.