A Due Process Analysis of California Lis Pendens

In California, the lis pendens, though it serves the useful purpose of notifying potential purchasers of property of pending lawsuits, is subject to serious abuse. A lis pendens effectively prevents alienation of the property until the judgment in the underlying action has become final.  For this reason, lis pendens is susceptible to abuse by parties who assert meritless claims to force settlements. The California Legis- lature responded to this problem by enacting a procedure for expunge- ment of a lis pendens recorded in bad faith.  Read More…….