How Do I Find Lis Pendens On My Property admin, January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 If you’ve heard the term “lis pendens” and are wondering what it means for your property, you’re not alone. Lis pendens is a Latin phrase that literally translates to “suit pending.” It 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. It usually signals that there is a legal dispute over the property, which can be a cause for concern if you’re trying to sell or lease the property. In this article, we will discuss how to find out if there is a lis pendens on your property and what steps you can take to address it. ContentsWhat Exactly Is Lis Pendens?Why Should I Care About Lis Pendens?How to Find Out If There’s a Lis Pendens on Your PropertyWhat Does It Mean If There’s a Lis Pendens on My Property?What Can I Do About Lis Pendens?The Bottom LineNavigating the Legal Intricacies of Lis PendensProactive Measures Against Lis PendensImpact of Lis Pendens on Future TransactionsCan Lis Pendens be Expunged?Dealing with Lis Pendens Amidst Divorce ProceedingsThe Role of Mediation in Resolving Lis PendensUnderstanding the Difference Between Lis Pendens and Other LiensWhat If I Ignore a Lis Pendens?How Can I Prevent a Lis Pendens?Can I Lose My Property Due to Lis Pendens?How Long Does a Lis Pendens Last?Can I Still Sell My Property with a Lis Pendens?Charting Your Course through Uncharted Legal Waters What Exactly Is Lis Pendens? Lis pendens refers to a public notice that’s filed with a court stating that there is an ongoing lawsuit related to the property. The primary purpose of filing a lis pendens is to warn potential purchasers or lenders that the property’s title is in question, which makes the property less attractive to buy or finance until the issue is resolved. This kind of notice is generally filed in cases where the ownership of a property is in dispute, perhaps due to divorce proceedings, inheritance issues, or other types of legal battles. The lis pendens itself doesn’t stop you from selling or leasing your property, but it can make these transactions significantly more complicated. Why Should I Care About Lis Pendens? If you are trying to sell your house or refinance your mortgage and there is a lis pendens on your property, it can create hurdles because buyers and lenders may be unwilling to get involved with a property with unresolved legal issues. This may delay your plans and even lower the value of your property. Furthermore, even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, a lis pendens could potentially limit what you can do with your property. For instance, you might have difficulty getting a home equity loan or a line of credit. How to Find Out If There’s a Lis Pendens on Your Property The first step in finding out if there’s a lis pendens on your property is to check the land records at the county clerk’s office or the county recorder’s office. These offices keep a record of all properties within the county and any liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances against them. In many areas, these records are available online. You can usually search by your name or the property address. If a lis pendens has been filed, it should show up in these records. If you’re uncomfortable doing this research yourself or if you’re unsure about interpreting the information you find, it might be a good idea to seek help from a real estate attorney or professional. What Does It Mean If There’s a Lis Pendens on My Property? If you discover that there is a lis pendens on your property, it means that someone has filed a lawsuit that involves your property. The person who filed the lawsuit believes they have a valid claim to your property or a portion of it. This could be due to several reasons such as a disagreement over ownership, questions about valid transfer of title, or other disputes. Having a lis pendens on your property does not necessarily mean that you will lose your property. However, it does mean that until the lawsuit is resolved, it may be difficult to sell or refinance your home. What Can I Do About Lis Pendens? If you find a lis pendens filed against your property and believe it’s not justified, the best course of action is to consult with an attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and how to defend them. See also Can You Sell A House With A Deed Of TrustIn some cases, you may be able to get the lis pendens removed by going to court and proving that the claim doesn’t have any merit. If the lawsuit is based on a misunderstanding or incorrect information, it might be resolved simply by providing the correct information. The Bottom Line Lis Pendens may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a notice of a pending lawsuit involving your property. While it can complicate matters if you’re planning to sell or refinance your property, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll lose your home. Your best bet is to stay informed, check your property records regularly, and seek professional advice if a lis pendens is filed against your property. Navigating the Legal Intricacies of Lis Pendens Since Lis Pendens indicates a pending lawsuit involving your property, you need to be familiar with the legal process and jargon. It can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not legally inclined. Thus, it’s crucial to hire a competent real estate attorney who can guide you through the entire procedure. An attorney will not only help you understand all legal documents but also develop a robust strategy to protect your rights. They can represent you in court, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that all decisions made are in your best interest. Proactive Measures Against Lis Pendens An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The same applies to real estate matters involving lis pendens. It’s ideal to avoid such lawsuits from arising in the first place. For instance, if you’re buying a property, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough title search before closing the deal. This way, you can check if there are any pending lawsuits or claims on the property that might later result in lis pendens. If you’re already a property owner, keep your documents and records up-to-date and organized. Make sure all your transactions are transparent and legal. This reduces the chances of any disputes or misunderstandings that might lead to a lawsuit. Impact of Lis Pendens on Future Transactions You might wonder how having a lis pendens on your property would affect future transactions. The simple answer is: greatly. A lis pendens serves as a public notice, signaling potential buyers or lenders about the ongoing lawsuit over the property’s title or ownership claim. As such, it can severely impact the sellability and market value of your home or property. Most buyers and lenders shy away from properties with unresolved legal issues to avoid getting wrapped up in legal battles. Therefore, it’s imperative to resolve the lis pendens promptly to prevent it from adversely affecting the market value of your property. Can Lis Pendens be Expunged? If a lis pendens is unjustifiably filed against your property, you might be able to get it expunged. Expunging a lis pendens involves going to court and proving that the claim is without merit. Once the court agrees, it will order the removal of the lis pendens from the property record. However, pursue this option only after consulting with your attorney. They can advise you on whether you have strong grounds to request an expungement and guide you through the required legal process. Dealing with Lis Pendens Amidst Divorce Proceedings If a lis pendens arises due to divorce proceedings, things can become quite complicated. It’s common for one spouse to file a lis pendens as a means to protect their interest in the marital home during divorce. In such scenarios, it’s crucial for both parties to hire competent divorce attorneys who are experienced in dealing with real estate disputes. The attorney can navigate through the legal complexities and help reach an agreement on how to deal with the marital home. This often involves negotiating property division or deciding whether the home should be sold and profits divided amongst both parties. The Role of Mediation in Resolving Lis Pendens Sometimes, resolving a lis pendens doesn’t have to result in lengthy court battles. Mediation can be a viable option for settling disputes outside of court. It involves hiring an impartial third party (the mediator) who facilitates discussions between conflicting parties and helps them reach a mutually beneficial resolution. See also How To Clean The Inside Of A Double Pane WindowMediation can save time, cost less than a lawsuit, and result in a less stressful resolution. However, it’s crucial to consult with your attorney before opting for mediation. They can help you determine whether it’s the right approach for your specific situation. Understanding the Difference Between Lis Pendens and Other Liens Lis pendens is often confused with other types of liens such as tax liens or mechanic’s liens. It’s important to understand that while each of these involves a claim on a property, they are different. A lien is a claim placed by a creditor for unpaid debt, whereas a lis pendens is a notice of pending litigation involving the property’s title or ownership rights. This difference can have significant implications for dealing with the issue and resolving it successfully. What If I Ignore a Lis Pendens? Ignoring a lis pendens is not advisable. The notice indicates that there’s an ongoing legal battle concerning your property, which you shouldn’t take lightly. Ignoring it won’t make the problem go away; it might even exacerbate the situation and potentially put your property rights at risk. If a lis pendens has been filed against your property, seek legal advice immediately. How Can I Prevent a Lis Pendens? While you cannot always prevent a lis pendens, you can take steps to decrease the likelihood of one being filed against your property. Be transparent and thorough in all your real estate transactions, keep records up-to-date, and promptly address any potential disputes or misunderstandings regarding your property. Furthermore, if you’re purchasing a new property, conducting a detailed title search could help identify any potential issues before they become larger problems. Can I Lose My Property Due to Lis Pendens? Just because there’s a lis pendens on your property does not necessarily mean you’re going to lose it. It does, however, indicate that there’s a dispute over ownership or title that needs to be settled in court. The outcome of this lawsuit ultimately determines what happens to the property. Until then, it’s essential to be proactive in defending your rights. How Long Does a Lis Pendens Last? A lis pendens lasts as long as the underlying lawsuit is still ongoing. Once the litigation is resolved, the lis pendens is typically removed from the property records. If the lawsuit ends in favor of the person who filed the lis pendens, further actions such as a lien or forced sale could follow, subject to the court’s decision. Can I Still Sell My Property with a Lis Pendens? Yes, technically, you can still sell your property even if there’s a lis pendens. However, finding a willing buyer might prove challenging since a lis pendens indicates that there’s an ongoing legal issue concerning the property. Most buyers prefer to avoid getting involved in potential legal battles and may back out once they discover a lis pendens. Charting Your Course through Uncharted Legal Waters Navigating through real estate disputes involving lis pendens can feel like sailing through uncharted waters. It’s essential to understand that though this journey might seem overwhelming, you’re not alone. Legal professionals are ready to assist you every step of the way — offering expert advice and guidance to ensure your property rights are protected. While understanding what lis pendens means is crucial, what matters more is knowing how to handle it effectively. Regardless of how difficult things may appear, remember to stay calm and patient. Take one legal step at a time, always keeping sight of your ultimate goal — resolving the pending lawsuit and securing your property’s future. Remember that every legal storm eventually passes, leaving clearer skies and calmer seas behind. So, don’t lose heart! With the right professional guidance and a strategic approach, you can successfully navigate through the challenges of lis pendens and steer your property towards a safe harbor. Related posts: What Does A Chain Of Title Document Establish Do I Need Title Insurance If I Pay Cash How Much Does An Abstract Of Title Cost What Happens If Someone Gets Hurt On Your Rental Property Eco-Friendly Homes Legal and Regulatory Issues