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What is the Pendency of the Action? A Comprehensive Overview
Definition & Meaning
The term "pendency of the action" refers to the period during which a legal action is ongoing. This means that the case is still in progress and has not yet reached a resolution. A lis pendens notice is often filed to inform interested parties that a lawsuit is affecting the title or ownership of a property, signaling that there is an unresolved legal claim related to it.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Pendency of the action is commonly used in civil law, particularly in property disputes and real estate transactions. It serves as a warning to potential buyers or lenders that a lawsuit may impact the ownership of the property in question. Users can manage related legal documents through resources like US Legal Forms, which provide templates for filing a lis pendens notice or other necessary forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A homeowner files a lawsuit against a contractor for breach of contract. During the case, the homeowner files a lis pendens notice to inform potential buyers that the property is involved in litigation.
Example 2: A business partner sues another partner for mismanagement of funds. A lis pendens is filed to alert others that the business's assets may be subject to the outcome of the lawsuit. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
State
Lis Pendens Requirements
California
Requires a notice to be filed with the county recorder.
Florida
Must include specific information about the case and property.
New York
Lis pendens must be filed in the county where the property is located.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Lis Pendens
A notice indicating that a legal action is pending regarding a property.
Judgment
A final decision made by a court regarding the rights and liabilities of the parties involved.
Injunction
A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you find yourself involved in a legal action affecting property, consider the following steps:
Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and obligations.
If necessary, file a lis pendens notice to protect your interests.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates and resources to assist with your legal documents.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Failure to file a lis pendens may result in loss of rights to claim against the property.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
A lis pendens is a legal notice that a lawsuit has been filed concerning a specific property, indicating that the outcome may affect the title or ownership.
Yes, you can sell the property, but the buyer may be hesitant due to the pending legal action.
A lis pendens typically remains in effect until the legal action is resolved or dismissed.