Lis Pendens (lawsuit pending)

A notice recorded for the purpose of warning all persons that the title or right of possession of certain real property is in litigation. Gives constructive notice of such litigation to the public.

The Lis Pendens can be considered the first legal action taken by the lender in a foreclosure proceeding.  It is usually filed after the 3rd or 4th consecutive payment is missed and is recorded on the actual mortgage itself. You can find "Lis Pendens" documents filed at the county and state court levels depending on the location.   Many web sites provide this information to subscribers for a fee in most cases.