Which term serves as public notice of a pending lawsuit affecting property and title?

• A. Tenancy in Common
• B. Sole Ownership
• C. Concurrent Ownership
• D. Lis Pendens

Answer: (D)

Public notice of a pending lawsuit affecting property and title is provided by a lis pendens. A lis pendens is a recorded notice in the property records that signals a lawsuit involving the property is pending, alerting buyers and lenders that the title may be affected. It clouds the title and preserves the plaintiff's rights by giving priority to the claim over later transfers or encumbrances. It doesn't change who owns the property or create ownership rights; it simply flags the dispute. The other terms describe forms of ownership rather than notice of litigation: tenancy in common, sole ownership, and concurrent ownership refer to how someone holds title and shares in the property.