How to eFile and eRecord a Lis Pendens in Madera County, California

 In real estate litigation, timing and proper filing are everything. When there’s a legal dispute involving real property—such as a quiet title action, partition case, or breach of a real estate contract—filing a Lis Pendens, also known as a Notice of Pendency of Action, is often essential.

In Madera County, California, you now have the option to eFile and eRecord your Lis Pendens, making the process faster, more convenient, and fully digital. This blog will walk you through the steps, explain the purpose and benefits of a Lis Pendens, and show you how to successfully file and record it without stepping foot in a courthouse.

What Is a Lis Pendens?

A Lis Pendens is a legal document that gives public notice of a pending lawsuit that may affect title or ownership of real property. It is not a lien, but it effectively clouds the title, making it difficult for the property owner to sell or refinance until the case is resolved.

By recording a Lis Pendens with the Madera County Recorder’s Office, the document becomes part of the official property records, warning potential buyers or lenders that litigation is ongoing. If someone purchases the property after the Lis Pendens is recorded, they do so subject to the outcome of the lawsuit.

When Should You File a Lis Pendens?

A Lis Pendens is typically filed in lawsuits involving:

• Quiet title actions

• Partition of property

• Foreclosure challenges

• Breach of contract for sale of real estate

• Easement or boundary disputes

• Specific performance claims

Importantly, a Lis Pendens must be connected to a real property claim. Filing one in a case that doesn’t affect real estate can lead to legal penalties, including sanctions.

Benefits of eFiling and eRecording in Madera County

Traditionally, recording a Lis Pendens involved physically delivering documents to the courthouse and county recorder’s office, which could result in delays, rejected filings, or travel time. Now, Madera County supports eFiling and eRecording, which provides several advantages:

✅ Faster turnaround – Get your documents reviewed and accepted within hours, not days
✅ Real-time tracking – Know the status of your filing instantly
✅ No in-person visits – Submit everything from your home or office
✅ Digital recordkeeping – Receive certified copies via email

Whether you’re an attorney, real estate professional, or individual involved in litigation, eFiling and eRecording can streamline your legal process.

Step-by-Step: How to eFile and eRecord a Lis Pendens in Madera County

1. Draft the Lis Pendens Document

The document should include:

• The case name and number

• The court where the case is pending (e.g., Madera County Superior Court)

• A legal description or property address

• A statement that an action has been filed that affects title or interest in real property

You must also include a proof of service by mail (CCP §405.22) showing that all parties to the action were served with the Lis Pendens.

2. eFile the Lis Pendens with the Madera County Superior Court

Using an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) approved by the Madera County courts (such as OneLegal, TurboCourt, or File & ServeXpress), you will:

• Upload your signed Lis Pendens document

• Attach the Proof of Service by Mail

• Pay the court filing fee

• Submit for court review and approval

Once accepted, the court will endorse (stamp) the document—you'll need this version for recording.

3. eRecord the Endorsed Lis Pendens with the Madera County Recorder

After receiving the endorsed/stamped Lis Pendens, you can electronically record it with the Madera County Recorder’s Office through an approved eRecording vendor, such as:

• Simplifile

• CSC eRecording

• eRecording Partners Network (ePN)

• Countrywide Process

Steps include:

• Uploading the endorsed document

• Paying the recording fee 

• Receiving a recorded copy with the recorder’s mark confirming the document has been officially entered into the county records

Once recorded, the Lis Pendens is searchable by anyone performing a title search on the property.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🛑 Not including a Proof of Service – Courts will reject the filing without this
🛑 Using the wrong case type – Ensure your lawsuit directly affects real property
🛑 Errors in the property description – Be precise with legal descriptions or assessor’s parcel numbers (APNs)
🛑 Submitting non-endorsed copies to the recorder – Always use the court-endorsed version

Avoiding these issues will ensure your filing is accepted the first time, saving time and money.

After Recording: What’s Next?

Once recorded, the Lis Pendens remains effective until the litigation concludes or until it’s expunged by court order. The cloud on title created by the Lis Pendens often motivates settlement or compliance, especially if the property owner needs to sell or refinance.

You should notify your attorney and parties in the case that the recording has been completed, and keep a digital and physical copy of the recorded Lis Pendens for your legal records.

Final Thoughts

Recording a Lis Pendens in Madera County is a powerful legal tool when real estate is at the center of a dispute. Thanks to modern eFiling and eRecording options, the process has never been more accessible or efficient.

Whether you're acting on behalf of a client or handling your own legal matters, taking the proper steps to eFile and eRecord a Lis Pendens can protect your rights and ensure your interest in the property is preserved throughout the litigation process.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want help with the paperwork, consider working with a professional eFiling and eRecording service that specializes in real estate litigation support.

Visit https://county.countrywideprocess.com/how-to-efile-and-erecord-a-notice-of-lis-pendens-in-madera-county/