A lis pendens is a legal document filed in public records to notify interested parties that a lawsuit involving a particular property is pending. A deed of trust foreclosed under this chapter shall be foreclosed as follows: (1) At least 90 days before the sale, or if a letter under RCW 61.24.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. This notice establishes the date, time and place of the foreclosure auction. It can take up to 12 months to complete a foreclosure, depending upon the state. In connection with filing the suit, the lender will file a notice of lis pendens with the county recorder's office. "Lis pendens" is Latin for "suit pending. 20 years extensive experience in real estate law, foreclosure, finance, and landlord tenant law. logo. 23,183 satisfied customers.