Notice of Pendency of Action (Lis Pendens) for the District of Columbia
Lis Pendens is Latin for "Pending Suit" A Lis Pendens is generally filed by the plaintiff. A Lis Pendens is a notice of litigation filed with the Recorder of Deeds to put third parties on constructive notice that a property interest is involved in pending litigation. Constructive notice means that people will be treated as if they had notice of the pending legal action. A Lis Pendens will show up in a title search, letting would be buyers know that there is pending litigation and if they purchase the property, they would be subject to the outcome of the litigation. In Washington, DC, lis pendens are governed by statute: DC 42-1207. In the District of Columbia a Lis Pendens must contain this information, ref 42--1207(b).
(1) Name of the court in which the action or proceeding has been filed;
(2) Title of the action or proceeding;
(3) Docket number;
(4) Date of filing;
(5) Object of the filing;
(6) Amount of the claim asserted or the nature of any other relief sought;
(7) Name of the person whose estate is intended to be affected thereby; and
(8) Description of the real property sought to be affected.
Once completed a Lis Pendens becomes effective when it is recorded at the Recorder of Deeds Office.
Common uses of a Lis Pendens in the DOC:
Quiet Title Action: This could protect the plaintiff if a third party is trying to purchase the property from the defendant before the suit is settled.
Mechanics Lien: In DC, a lawsuit to enforce a mechanic's lien must be brought within 180 days following recordation of the notice of lien, otherwise the lien is terminated. The contractor must also file a notice of pendency of action (lis pendens) with land records within ten (10) days of filing the lawsuit. See DC ST 40-303.13.
Divorce Proceeding: Typically used when the name of the property is in one person's name only. This could prevent that person from selling the property before the divorce settlement.
Foreclosure: When the lender files a notice of suit, a Lis Pendens is also filed. The Lis Pendens notifies all who may have an interest in the property of the pending lawsuit.
Deeds.com District Of Columbia Lis Pendens Forms Have Been Updated as Recently as Tuesday December 27, 2022
What others like you are saying:
Toni M. said: I liked having the forms. Some may need to know they can look at the legal Description from online county records, then type up in Word document line by line, the degree sign in Word program is achieved by using alt and 248 on number pad. Then on the form page one write SEE Exibit A and title your Word program description as Exibit A. Goes without saying the legal description should be looked over many times and it is easier to do so if you format your Word the same lineage as the legal description online which is usually not text which is why you have to retype it.
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Marilyn S. said: I was pleased with the service and product.
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Kris D. said: The Executor's Guide needs more info about what to put for grantee (estate of deceased or my name as executor?) and the price (something nominal like $10?) before there is a buyer. The guide seems to use only one example.
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Bonnie A. said: I little struggle downloading the forms at first but support helped. After that it was a breeze, happy with everything.
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Christian M. said: Easy to find the necessary documents needed
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Kevin V. said: This is an option for recording that worked flawlessly with my county government. Given Covid19 has closed county offices to the public as well as the personal kiosks options to record shrunk dramatically. I recommend Deeds.Com for your recording needs.
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