One tool often utilized is the filing of a lis pendens, a Latin term meaning "suit pending. Filing a lis pendens serves as a vital tool for claimants seeking to protect their rights and interests in real property during the course of litigation."Plaintiffs argue that the filing of the lis pendens is a 'process' and thus can be the factual basis for a claim of malicious abuse of process. A lis pendens is not a mechanics lien, but it is often required as part of the lien process. Remember that a lis pendens is a notice of a pending lawsuit. Lis pendens is a longstanding, frequently misunderstood doctrine concerning unorthodox interests in real estate. (c) Notice of lis pendens. A Showing of a "Real Property Claim" is Mandatory. Lis Pendens is also known as a Notice of Pending Action. I'm involved in a property case in Virginia, as the Plaintiff.