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Missouri · TitleMissouri lis pendens: the notice of a pending equity suit and when it binds buyers

In any Missouri civil action based on an equitable right, claim or lien that affects or is designed to affect real estate, the plaintiff must file for record, with the recorder of deeds of the county where the real estate lies, a written notice of the pendency of the suit stating the names of the parties, the style of the action, the term of court to which it is brought and a description of the real estate that may be affected. The pendency of the suit is constructive notice to purchasers and encumbrancers only from the time the notice is filed. The recorder notes the time it was received and records and indexes it like a deed (RSMo 527.260).

What the statute sets

  1. Which actions (527.260)

    Civil actions based on an equitable right, claim or lien affecting real estate.

  2. Contents (527.260)

    Parties, style of the action, term of court and a description of the real estate.

  3. Effect (527.260)

    Constructive notice to purchasers and encumbrancers only from filing.

What the TC does with a Missouri lis pendens

  • Search the county records for a recorded notice of lis pendens before closing.
  • If one is recorded, ask the title company what it needs – a recorded discharge or a court order – to insure.
  • Ask the seller's attorney about the status of the pending suit.

Questions about Missouri lis pendens

When does a Missouri lis pendens bind a buyer?

Only from the time the notice is filed with the county recorder of deeds (RSMo 527.260).

Which Missouri lawsuits need a lis pendens?

Civil actions based on an equitable right, claim or lien affecting or designed to affect real estate (RSMo 527.260).

Related guides

Track a lis pendens and its release as title tasks in ClosingCode.

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Source: RSMo 527.260 (revisor.mo.gov), read October 30, 2026.

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.