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.Forms ; Complaint Verification. PDF ; Summons with Notice. Historically known as lis pendens, a notice of pendency constructively gives notice of the ownership dispute to any potential thirdparty. A notice of pendency, also known as lis pendens, is a provisional remedy available to litigants seeking a judgment that affects title to real property. Lis pendens is a notice lenders use when they initiate a foreclosure sale. A lis pendens is filed in every foreclosure action once the complaint has been filed and a docket number is obtained.