What can be filed to notify of a possible future lien when a lawsuit is pending?

A lis pendens is a legal notice that is filed to inform interested parties that a lawsuit has been initiated regarding a specific property, which may affect ownership or an interest in that property. This notice serves as a warning that a claim is being made against the property, and it essentially puts potential buyers and other interested parties on notice about the litigation.

By filing a lis pendens, the party involved in the lawsuit can make it clear that there might be a future lien or an interest associated with the property, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings. This tool is particularly important in real estate transactions, as it helps to protect the interests of the party who filed it while also ensuring that the property cannot be sold or transferred freely without considering the ongoing lawsuit.

The other options do not serve this specific purpose. A writ of execution involves enforcing a court judgment against a debtor's property, but it does not provide notice of pending litigation. Summary judgment is a legal determination made by the court without a full trial, whereas a preliminary injunction is a court order made to prevent irreparable harm while a case is being decided. Neither of these options informs third parties of potential claims against specific properties in the context of an ongoing lawsuit.