A lis pendens is a written
notice that a lawsuit has been filed concerning real estate,
involving either the title to the property or a claimed
ownership interest in it. The notice is usually filed in the
county register of deeds office. Recording a lis pendens
against a piece of property alerts a potential purchaser or
lender that the property’s title is in question, which makes
the property less attractive to a buyer or lender. Once the
notice is filed, anyone who nevertheless purchases the land
or property described in the notice takes possession of it
is subject to the ultimate decision of the lawsuit.