What is lis pendens?

• A. A document filed with the County Clerk and with the deed indicating pending litigation.
• B. A notice of sale to the owner.
• C. A mortgage release.
• D. A property tax receipt.

Answer: (A)

Lis pendens is a notice that there is a pending lawsuit affecting the property's title. It is created by filing a document with the county clerk and recording it in the land records so it is indexed against the property. This alerts buyers and lenders that ownership or rights to the property are in dispute, preserving the plaintiff's interest and ensuring the case has priority over later claims. It is not a notice of sale, a mortgage release, or a property tax receipt. It remains in effect until the case is resolved or the lis pendens is released by court.