If a property is subject to a Lis Pendens and is sold to a new owner, what must the new owner do?

• A. Ignore the lawsuit
• B. Dispute the rights
• C. Follow or pay the ongoing civil actions or liens
• D. Wait until a court decision

Answer: (C)

Lis Pendens serves as a warning that there is a pending lawsuit involving the property that could affect its title. Because of that, when the property changes hands, the new owner takes title subject to that ongoing action and any related liens. So the buyer cannot ignore the case; they must participate in or respect the pending civil actions and resolve or pay any liens tied to the lawsuit as the case proceeds. This protects the new owner from surprise claims and helps ensure the title can eventually be cleared if the dispute is resolved.