Lis Pendens

What recording does

Recording gives constructive notice to later purchasers and lenders as provided by state law. A later purchaser may take subject to the result of the litigation. A lis pendens can impair marketability but does not itself establish the claimant’s ownership or create a lien for money owed.

Qualifying claims can include quiet title, partition or specific performance of a sale, depending on the jurisdiction. A claim seeking only money damages may fall outside the governing statute. Recording, discharge, expungement and any bond procedure depend on local law.

For example, Minnesota Statutes § 557.02 specifies the notice contents, where to record, when notice applies and how the notice can be discharged.