Finance & Mortgages

    Lis Pendens

    A recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting title to a property is pending, warning third parties that the outcome could affect the property.

    Lis pendens means suit pending. It is a notice recorded in the public record to alert anyone dealing with the property that a lawsuit affecting its title or possession is underway. A Florida foreclosure usually begins with a lis pendens.

    Anyone who buys or lends against the property after the lis pendens is recorded takes subject to the outcome of the lawsuit.

    On the exam

    A recorded lis pendens gives constructive notice that litigation could affect the title. It often signals the start of a foreclosure.

    Exam trap

    Lis pendens is a notice, not a lien or a judgment. It warns of pending litigation.

    Tested in

    Residential Mortgages (9% of the exam)

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    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.