A lis pendens does not prevent a piece of real estate from being bought or sold, but it usually has a major impact on how desirable a piece of property will be to prospective buyers. A lis pendens could ultimately result in a new buyer losing his or her title to the property.
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.
A memorandum of lis pendens admitted to record in an action to enforce a zoning ordinance shall expire after 180 days.
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.
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.
In any case in which the debt for which such attachment is issued, or suit is brought and notice of lis pendens recorded is satisfied by payment, it shall be the duty of the creditor, within 10 days after payment of same, to provide the clerk with a separate instrument or order for recordation releasing such lis ...
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.