What Is A Voluntary Wage Assignment?

A voluntary wage assignment is a written contract in which a debtor agrees that a certain amount will be deducted from their paycheck to pay the creditor. Because it is voluntary, it is different from a garnishment. Since an employer’s accounting department must make the deduction and send it to the creditor. Some employers refuse to handle voluntary wage assignments because it complicates their payroll procedure. If acceptable by the employer, the voluntary wage assignment is better than a garnishment. In the eyes of the employer, the debtor is taking the responsibility of arranging to meet their obligations, rather than being forced to pay their debts. Some employers find reasons to suspend or fire employees if their wages are garnished.