NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 05:00 PM
    Hello list mates,

    Client and his fiancé purchased a home three years ago.  Client used $85,000 of personal savings/pension loan as a down payment but fiancé was listed on mortgage and deed due to his poor credit score.  Client also paid, from his checking account, all costs related to repairs and mortgage payments and I have all proofs regarding the payments and where they came from.  I need to file a lis pendens quickly since he believes that the fiancé is going to transfer the property to one of her relatives.  Can the lis pendens be filed prior to the FD motion regarding the home, the child they share together and the 13,000 engagement ring or do they have to be filed simultaneously.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  TIA

    Eric 
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    Eric Hannum Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)370-9596

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  • 2.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 05:39 PM
    Eric

    You need no court or other permission before filing a lis pendens, just a good faith basis on which to assert that the real estate itself is part of the subject matter of your lawsuit.  If you have an FD motion pending, then you also have a docket number.  The lawsuit supports your good faith basis for filing a lis pendens, IMO.

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    Hanan Isaacs Esq.
    Kingston NJ
    (609)683-7400

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  • 3.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 05:51 PM
    Hanan,

    The FD is not pending.  Client only came in today but would like to file lis pendens tomorrow or Friday given the gravity of the issue.  I can then file the FD application in on Monday. 
    Best,
    Eric

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    Eric Hannum Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)370-9596

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  • 4.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 06:19 PM
    Respectfully, I think you should do it the other way 'round.

    Get the Docket Number, then file the lis pendens referring to the docketed litigation.  That's what gives you the right to file the lis pendens: a litigation interest in the real estate.

    Hanan

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    Hanan Isaacs Esq.
    Kingston NJ
    (609)683-7400

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  • 5.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 06:26 PM
    Hanan,

    That's what I thought.  In doing so, I will have spelled out my good faith basis for the lis pendens being filed.

    Best,

    Eric  



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    Eric Hannum Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)370-9596

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  • 6.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 06:02 PM
    Eric:

    If you have a docket number, yu can file a Notice of Lis pendens with the county clerk.

    Just make sure you are doing nothing to cause a slander of title.

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    Robert Goldstein Esq.
    Manalapan NJ
    (732)972-1600

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  • 7.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 06:05 PM
    Robert,

    From what you are saying, the FD has to be filed first to get the docket number or at the same time as the lis pendens so the docket number can be included on the lis pendens.

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    Eric Hannum Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)370-9596

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  • 8.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-24-2013 06:45 PM
    You can do it the same day but need a docket number to file the lis pendens.

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    Robert Goldstein Esq.
    Manalapan NJ
    (732)972-1600

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  • 9.  RE:lis pendens ?

    Posted 07-25-2013 07:43 AM
    Don't you need an FD complaint bfore you can make an FD motion?
    Maybe I'm over-thinking this... it's been known to happen.

    More info needed. Was the home purchased in anticipation of marriage? Have they been cohabiting in it? Are they continuing to cohabit in it? Is the engagement still on (doubtful)? It may be a matter for a different Division.

    The only thing that I am certain of, given the facts you've shared, is that you need a ending matter to file a lis pendens. You don't get to say "Docket No. TBA." Just kidding.

    Once you do, be careful not to cause a slander of title.

    Once you decide where and what sort of initial pleading to file, you might consider filing complaint with an Order to Show Cause, if you believe that the threat of this transfer is imminent. Good luck.

    If the engagement is off, did she return the ring?



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    Curtis Romanowski Esq.
    Senior Attorney - Proprietor
    Brielle NJ
    (732)603-8585

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