lis pendens

noun

lis pen·​dens
ˈlis-ˈpen-ˌdenz
1
: a pending suit
2
: a written notice of a pending suit involving property usually filed in the appropriate office (as a registry of deeds)

called also notice of pendency

3
a
: the jurisdiction and control of the court over property involved in a pending suit
b
: a doctrine under which one purchasing an interest in property involved in a pending suit does so subject to the adjudication of the rights of the parties to the suit

Word History

Etymology

Latin

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Cite this Entry

“Lis pendens.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/lis%20pendens. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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