What is the term for public notices related to a pending lawsuit affecting a property?

The term "lis pendens" refers specifically to a legal doctrine that provides notice of a pending lawsuit that affects a particular property. When a lis pendens is filed, it serves as a public notice that there is an ongoing legal action concerning the property, which may impact the interests of anyone who might want to buy or finance the property. This ensures that potential purchasers or lenders are aware of the existing legal claims before they decide to engage in transactions involving the property, thereby protecting the rights of the parties involved in the lawsuit.

This notice is crucial because it helps prevent a situation where someone purchases the property without knowledge of the legal dispute, which could lead to complications or challenges regarding ownership, use, or disposition of the property in question. Thus, "lis pendens" plays a pivotal role in real estate law by protecting interests and ensuring transparency in property transactions during legal disputes.