In California, the document notifying a property owner and the public about a pending lawsuit regarding that property, is called a Notice of Pending Action. The statutes primarily governing the recording of a notice of pendency of action are found at Code Civil Procedure, sections 405--405.61.

What happens, though, when the case is resolved? At that point, the plaintiff (individual who filed the suit) files a release. This action serves as notice of the resolution and clears the title. The Release of Notice of Pending Action in California is governed by the provisions of Code of Civ. Proc. section 405.50.

The release form identifies the parties and the property. It includes references to the pending lawsuit and the relevant dates. Before recording, the release form must be signed, in the presence of a notary public or other authorized official, by the party that recorded the original notice of pending action, or their successor in interest. Submit the release to the office of the recorder for the county in which the original lis pendens was recorded.

Lawsuits can be complicated, and even small errors can affect the outcome of a case. Please contact an attorney with questions about using the Release of Notice of Pending Action, or for any other issues related to real property in California.

(California Release of Pending Action Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Release of Notice of Pending Action

Prevent the sale of a property while a lawsuit is pending
File notice of a boundary dispute or quiet title action
Alert lenders to pending litigation that may affect collateral
Protect your interest in a property during a divorce proceeding
Establish priority of a legal claim on real property
Notify title companies of unresolved claims against a property
File notice of a pending foreclosure action

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Important: County-Specific Forms

Our release of notice of pending action forms are specifically formatted for each county in California.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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