Common Mistakes to Avoid When E-Filing Lis Pendens in Butte County (And How to Do It Right)

 When dealing with property disputes or real estate litigation, filing a lis pendens correctly is crucial. Today, most professionals prefer electronic filing because it’s faster, more secure, and far more efficient than paper submissions. However, many people still struggle with the process — especially when understanding how to efile and erecord lis pendens in Butte County. Even small errors can delay your case, lead to rejections, or cause unnecessary legal setbacks.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most common mistakes people make during the e-filing and e-recording process in Butte County, and more importantly, how to avoid them. You’ll also learn how to use the e-filing portal and e-recording services effectively to ensure your lis pendens is accepted the first time.

Why Accuracy Matters When Filing Lis Pendens

A lis pendens is a public notice that a property is subject to ongoing litigation. Because it affects ownership rights and potential transfers, it must be filed and recorded with absolute accuracy. Understanding how to efile and erecord lis pendens in Butte County helps ensure your filing is legally valid, properly indexed, and recognized by both the court and the recorder’s office.

Even a minor mistake — a misspelled name, incorrect property description, or missing attachment — can cause a rejection, leading to delays or complications in the case.

Mistake #1: Submitting Incorrect or Incomplete Property Descriptions

One of the most common errors when handling lis pendens filings is entering incomplete or inaccurate property descriptions. In Butte County, your description must match the official county property records.

If the legal description is missing, abbreviated incorrectly, or doesn’t match the original deed, the recorder may reject your submission.

How to Do It Right

  • Always copy the legal description exactly as it appears on the deed.

  • Double-check APN numbers, subdivision names, and boundaries.

  • Before using the e-filing portal, verify each piece of information against county records.

This extra step can save you days of processing time and prevent costly re-filing fees.

Mistake #2: Not Following Document Formatting Rules

Many filers don’t realize how strict formatting requirements are. The county’s e-filing portal enforces guidelines such as font size, margins, required signatures, and PDF compatibility. If your document doesn’t meet these standards, the system may reject it instantly.

How to Do It Right

  • Use standard fonts and avoid handwritten notes.

  • Prepare a clean, single PDF without password protection.

  • Ensure all exhibits, attachments, and supporting pages are properly labeled.

Formatting errors are easy to avoid if you review your file before uploading it.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to E-Record After E-Filing

Another major mistake is assuming that submitting the lis pendens through the e-filing portal completes the process. It doesn’t. Once the court accepts the filing, the next step is to record the document with the County Recorder. Only then is it officially part of the public property record.

This is where many people misunderstand how to efile and erecord lis pendens in Butte County — the process requires both steps.

How to Do It Right

  • After e-filing, use trusted e-recording services to submit the document for recording.

  • Confirm that all fees are paid; unpaid fees can delay the recording.

  • Always verify the recording confirmation once it’s completed.

Missing this step can leave your lis pendens unenforceable.

Mistake #4: Uploading Low-Quality or Scanned Documents

Poor-quality scans can lead to rejections because county systems must be able to clearly read every detail. Blurry images, shadows, or handwritten notes make indexing difficult.

How to Do It Right

  • Use high-resolution scans.

  • Avoid photographing documents with a mobile device.

  • Check the clarity of stamps, signatures, and seals.

Quality matters more than many filers realize — especially when using e-recording services.

Mistake #5: Not Checking County-Specific Requirements

Each California county has its own filing and formatting rules. Assuming that the procedure is identical everywhere often leads to delays. Butte County’s guidelines are specific, especially regarding how to efile and erecord lis pendens in Butte County.

How to Do It Right

  • Review Butte County’s filing checklist before uploading.

  • Confirm the latest fee schedule.

  • Make sure your case type allows e-filing — not all documents are eligible.

Staying updated prevents unexpected rejections.

Mistake #6: Missing Mandatory Attachments

Sometimes filers forget to include required attachments such as the complaint, exhibits, or proof of service. These are essential parts of a complete lis pendens package.

How to Do It Right

  • Gather all supporting documents first.

  • Label attachments correctly so they appear in order on the e-filing portal.

  • Review the submission preview before clicking “Submit.”

A thorough review can prevent incomplete filings.

Mistake #7: Not Verifying Confirmation After Recording

Even when using reliable e-recording services, some filers fail to verify that the document has been successfully recorded. A technical glitch, incorrect index entry, or overlooked rejection notice can easily go unnoticed.

How to Do It Right

  • Always check your confirmation email.

  • Save the recorded copy for your records.

  • Verify that the recording information appears in county records.

This ensures your lis pendens is legally enforceable.

Final Thoughts: Filing It Right the First Time

Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between a smooth filing and a frustrating delay. Understanding how to efile and erecord lis pendens in Butte County helps you navigate the process confidently while reducing the chance of errors. Using the correct e-filing portal, relying on professional e-recording services, and double-checking your documents ensures your filing is accurate, complete, and legally valid.

Save time, avoid mistakes, and protect your legal interests — contact Countrywide Process today for expert help with e-filing and e-recording your lis pendens in Butte County.

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