Lis Pendens — Pending Litigation on Property

Lis Pendens — Pending Litigation on Property

A lis pendens (Latin: "suit pending") is a recorded notice that a legal action affecting a property's title is in progress. It's one of the most reliable early-warning signals in real estate.

What Triggers a Lis Pendens?

• Foreclosure: Most common type and most actionable for investors
• Divorce proceedings: Contested property division
• Mechanic's liens: Unpaid contractors securing their claim
• Boundary disputes: Competing ownership claims

How PropIntel Sources Lis Pendens Data

PropIntel ingests from Clerk of Court recorded document databases in each covered county, matched to parcel records by address and parcel ID.

Due Diligence Before Pursuing

1. Pull the full case file at the clerk's portal
2. Check mortgage balance vs. property value
3. Get a title search — lis pendens clouds title
4. Contact the owner early in the process

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