I have a lawsuit against me in NY that is absurd not only by my standards but my lawyer as well. In the papers they are threatening to put a lien on my house. I was under the impression that this cannot be done until there is a judgement. Can it be done before there is a decision. Also my house is in mine and my wife's name and the suit is only against me.

If the property is the subject of the lawsuit then they can put a lis pendens on the property. This is a document that acts as notice to the public that there is a lawsuit that has been or is about to be filed concerning that property, and it acts like a lien. You will not be able to sell or finance the property until the lis pendens is lifted.

If the property is not the subject of the lawsuit then they cannot put a lien on your property until they have obtained a judgment.