Basically, a Lis Pendens is written notice that's recorded in the county recorder's records where the real estate is located and that gives notice than an action, a lawsuit involving title to the real estate is pending.
Lis Pendens Texas and Property Code Property Code Section 12.007(a) allows the party seeking relief to file a Lis Pendens during the pendency of an action involving title to real property, the establishment of an interest in real property, or the enforcement of an encumbrance against real property.
Section 12.0071 of the Texas Property Code contains a specific procedure for expunging (i.e., removing) an invalid lis pendens notice. To trigger the procedure, the property owner must file a motion to expunge the lis pendens in the court where the underlying lawsuit is pending.
The party filing a lis pendens or the party's agent or attorney shall sign the lis pendens, which must state: (1) the style and number, if any, of the proceeding; (2) the court in which the proceeding is pending; (3) the names of the parties; (4) the kind of proceeding; and (5) a description of the property affected.
Section 12.002 - Liability (a) A person may not make, present, or use a document or other record with: (1) knowledge that the document or other record is a fraudulent court record or a fraudulent lien or claim against real or personal property or an interest in real or personal property; (2) intent that the document or ...
A Lis Pendens Depends on an Underlying Lawsuit A lis pendens has no life of its own apart from the lawsuit that underlies it. If there is no lawsuit, there can be no valid lis pendens. “A lis pendens operates only during the pendency of the underlying suit, and only as to those matters that are involved in the suit.
If someone has filed a Lis Pendens notice (which alerts others that there is a pending lawsuit involving a property), any party involved in the lawsuit can: Ask the court to remove the notice (e.g. Motion to Expunge). Notify all affected parties at least 20 days before the court hearing.
Every suit to recover real estate as against a person having peaceable and adverse possession thereof, cultivating, using or enjoying the same, and paying taxes thereon, if any, and claiming under a deed or deeds duly registered, shall be instituted within five years next after cause of action shall have accrued, and ...