What type of legal document can serve as a formal notice that property is subject to legal action?

A lis pendens is a legal document that serves as a formal notice indicating that a particular piece of property is subject to ongoing legal action. When a lis pendens is filed, it effectively alerts potential buyers or other interested parties that there is a dispute concerning the property that could affect ownership or interest in that property. This legal notice is crucial because it ensures that any potential purchasers or lenders are on notice about the pending litigation, thereby protecting the rights of the parties involved in the legal action.

The use of a lis pendens is particularly common in real estate disputes, such as foreclosure or boundary disputes, where the property itself is central to the ongoing litigation. It typically remains in effect until the conclusion of the legal proceedings, thus safeguarding the interests of the party filing the document.

In contrast, other options like a summons serve to notify a defendant of a lawsuit being filed against them but do not specifically pertain to real property. An affidavit is a sworn statement that can be used as evidence in court but does not act as a notice of legal action regarding property. An indictment refers to a formal charge or accusation in criminal cases and is unrelated to civil property disputes. Thus, a lis pendens clearly stands out as the appropriate answer for notifying parties about legal