An earnings assignment refers to income withheld by an employer to pay spousal support the employee owes. If you or your ex-spouse owe spousal support, a California judge will likely make an earnings assignment order.
The order takes effect once a Proof of Service form has been filed. This form must be served to your ex-spouse's employer. The employer will then understand that they must withhold a certain amount of your pay for spousal support.
If you are the support recipient, bear in mind that you or your lawyer must fill out the earnings assignment order form. (Find it here.) As long as you correctly and accurately complete the form, you can expect the order to be verified in less than two weeks.