Filing Lis Pendens In Pa In Wake
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FAQ
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.
How Long Does a Lis Pendens Last in Pennsylvania? Under Pennsylvania law, a Lis Pendens typically remains recorded for a period of fifteen years. This duration provides adequate notice to interested parties about ongoing litigation or other legal actions involving the real property.
To file a lis pendens, the party filing must have or show one of two things: That there is a recorded instrument, usually some mortgage or encumbrance, or perhaps something related to a construction mechanics lien—that potentially provides the filer the right to the property on or in the document.
A Quiet Title action is a powerful legal tool which asks the court to clear up “clouds” or “quiet” the title to property. Relative to an Upset Sale, after you receive a tax deed, you will need to file a lawsuit with the county court.
Lis pendens is a formal notice that there is a pending action, or lawsuit, that could affect the title of the property. However, it serves an even bigger purpose. When a lis pendens is filed, any future transfers of the property are affected by the pending action if it were to be awarded.
After the action is resolved, the attorney for the plaintiff should file a praecipe to remove the lis pendens and resulting cloud on title. Note that if a defendant believes a lis pendens has been filed improperly, it may make a motion with the court to have it stricken.
In Pennsylvania, a Lis Pendens notice is a formal announcement that a pending lawsuit exists that may affect the title or claim to a piece of real estate. This notice of a pending legal action is filed in the public records, warning potential buyers that the property is involved in pending litigation.
Lis pendens are used most often in cases of divorce and foreclosure. For example, if a divorcing couple cannot agree on how to divide their interest in the marital home, one spouse may file a lis pendens in order to keep the other spouse from trying to sell the house until the divorce is settled.
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.
Said Lis Pendens remains as long as the action is pending, unless it is voluntarily withdrawn or expunged (wipe out - erase) by motion to the court. Caution should still be used even if the Lis Pendens is removed since danger may still exist for a Title Company.
