A lis pendens is a common tool used in Florida to put third parties on notice of a pending lawsuit against real estate. Form must be filled out and notarized at the time of filing.For New York City, you can use a tool named ACRIS. A lis pendens is the first filing made during the foreclosure process. Barron's Dictionary of Real Estate Terms defines Lis Pendens as Latin for suit pending. Lis pendens is a Latin term that literally means "lawsuit pending. The Lis Pendens List identifies pre-foreclosure properties as well as other properties involved in pending litigation. This valuable tool will help you. Records Search Department Office Phone: (718) 618-3377 Location: 851 Grand Concourse, Rm. 118, Bronx, NY 10451 ALL SEARCH REQUESTS MUST BE IN WRITING. A lis pendens is a notice of a pending lawsuit which you have not sued yet to record a list pendens.