Closings glossary

Lis pendens

A notice of pendency recorded against the property when litigation affecting title is filed. It warns the world and binds later purchasers to the result of the case.

What is a lis pendens?

Quick Answer

A lis pendens is a recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting title to the property is pending. Anyone who buys or lends after it is filed takes subject to the outcome of that case, so a lis pendens effectively freezes a sale until it is cancelled or the action ends.

The full definition

A notice of pendency recorded against the property when litigation affecting title is filed. It warns the world and binds later purchasers to the result of the case.

Also called: Notice of pendency.

Where does lis pendens come up in a New York City closing?

A partition action between two Queens siblings puts a lis pendens on the house, and the contract of sale cannot close until the notice is cancelled.

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