After the 30-day period, the lender files a foreclosure complaint with the Office of Foreclosure. Lis pendens is a notice lenders use when they initiate a foreclosure sale.This article describes the steps and timeline of a foreclosure case from beginning to end. 1. Mortgage in default 2. A lis pendens is a notice of pending litigation. It constitutes constructive notice of any claims in the suit as to the land.