2021 Georgia Code
Title 44 - Property
Chapter 14 - Mortgages, Conveyances to Secure Debt, and Liens
Article 9 - Lis Pendens
- For annual survey on real property law, see 61 Mercer L. Rev. 301 (2009). For note, "Georgia's Lis Pendens Statutes: Suggested Legislative Changes to Comply with Due Process," see 4 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 79 (1988).
JUDICIAL DECISIONS
Purpose of lis pendens.
- Lis pendens, whether it be from the common law as provided in O.C.G.A. ยง 23-1-18, or by statute (O.C.G.A. Ch. 14, T. 44), has for its purpose the protection of innocent purchasers of real property involved in pending litigation. Patent Scaffolding Co. v. Byers, 220 Ga. 426, 139 S.E.2d 332 (1964).
Lis pendens does not apply in suit for money damages.
- At common law and under statutory provisions lis pendens may not be predicated upon an action which seeks merely to recover a money judgment. Watson v. Whatley, 218 Ga. 86, 126 S.E.2d 621 (1962).
Effect of lis pendens.
- A lis pendens simply gives notice to prospective purchasers that lawsuit involving realty has been filed. It does not prevent sale of property, nor is it a lien on property. Aiken v. Citizens & S. Bank, 249 Ga. 481, 291 S.E.2d 717, cert. denied, 459 U.S. 973, 103 S. Ct. 307, 74 L. Ed. 2d 287 (1982).
Lis pendens appropriate remedy for improper sale of estate.
- Insofar as a resale of property alleged to be sold improperly by the administratrix to an insolvent grantee is concerned, the parties interested in the estate would have an adequate remedy by filing a proper notice of lis pendens. Conner v. Yawn, 200 Ga. 500, 37 S.E.2d 541 (1946).
Due process does not require advance notice of filing of lis pendens. Aiken v. Citizens & S. Bank, 249 Ga. 481, 291 S.E.2d 717, cert. denied, 459 U.S. 973, 103 S. Ct. 307, 74 L. Ed. 2d 287 (1982).
RESEARCH REFERENCES
ALR.
- Doctrine of lis pendens as applied against one who takes deed pending action pursuant to executory contract entered into before action commenced, 93 A.L.R. 404.
Necessity of filing notice of lis pendens in suit to contest a will, 159 A.L.R. 386.
Propriety of filing of lis pendens in action affecting leasehold interest, 67 A.L.R.3d 747.
Lis pendens in suit to compel stock transfer, 48 A.L.R.4th 731.
Lis pendens: grounds for cancellation prior to termination of underlying action, absent claim of delay, 49 A.L.R.4th 242.
Lis pendens as applicable to suit for separation or dissolution of marriage, 65 A.L.R.4th 522.
