Legal
Lis Pendens
A recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting a property's title is pending.
A lis pendens warns buyers that a court may decide who owns the property or what claims attach to it. Mortgage foreclosures and quiet title actions commonly record one.
A lis pendens on a tax sale parcel is a signal to read the case before bidding.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.
Related terms
- Title SearchA review of public records to find who owns a property and what liens or claims affect it.
- Quiet TitleA lawsuit that confirms who owns a property and clears competing claims.
- Bankruptcy StayA court order that automatically pauses collection actions, including tax sales, when an owner files for bankruptcy.