What does the term "lis pendens" refer to in legal context?

The term "lis pendens" refers to a pending lawsuit, specifically indicating that there is ongoing litigation concerning a property or legal matter. This term serves as a public notice that there is a legal action that may affect the property in question, alerting potential buyers or interested parties about the existence of a dispute. By filing a lis pendens, the party involved in the litigation essentially places a cloud on the title of the property, which can prevent the transfer of ownership until the legal issues are resolved. Understanding this term is crucial in legal contexts, as it influences property transactions and the rights of the parties involved in a lawsuit. In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of legal proceedings—final judgment indicates the conclusion of a case, claim of ownership pertains to rights to property, and legal separation involves the status of a marriage—not a pending legal condition.