A recorded notice indicating pending litigation affecting a property's title.
Definition
Lis pendens is a formal notice filed in public records to inform interested parties that a lawsuit involving real estate rights is pending, potentially affecting the title or ownership of the property in question.
Why It Matters
Researchers, title examiners, and potential buyers use lis pendens notices to identify legal claims or disputes that may impact property ownership, helping prevent transactions subject to unresolved litigation.