← All ResourcesLis Pendens: What It Means for Your Property
A lis pendens is a public notice that a lawsuit has been filed affecting your property. It clouds the title and can complicate a sale — but it doesn't mean you're out of options.
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What Is a Lis Pendens?
Latin for 'pending suit,' a lis pendens is filed in the county clerk's office to notify anyone searching the title that there is active litigation involving the property. It's commonly filed in foreclosure, boundary disputes, divorce, and mechanic's lien cases.
How It Affects Your Property
A lis pendens doesn't transfer ownership or place a lien, but it effectively 'clouds' the title, making it difficult or impossible to sell, refinance, or transfer the property until the underlying lawsuit is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell with a lis pendens on the property?
It's very difficult because title companies won't insure around it. The lawsuit typically needs to be resolved or the lis pendens vacated first.
How do I get a lis pendens removed?
You can resolve the underlying lawsuit, negotiate a settlement, or ask the court to cancel (vacate) the lis pendens if it was improperly filed.
