Answers: "A notice file or recorded for the purpose of notice all those that the title or right to the possession of certain legitimate property is in litigation, litterally "suit pending", usually record so as to give constructive consideration of pending litigation." -- Real Estate Principles surrounded by California by Thomas E. Felde
In other words a Lis Pendens gives distinguish that the property is the subject of a lawsuit.
A 'lis pendens' is notification that someone is attempting to place a lien on a property. Lis pendens are checked by title firms, and any lis pendens will raise an instantaneous red flag as an indicator that the title is not going to be clear by the time of the closing.
When a lis pendens is filed, the actual lien, surrounded by most cases, is retroactive to the date of the lis pendens filing.