Definition
This is a loan you chose to take on—think of it like asking a lender for permission to use their money. You signed the papers, you benefited from the loan, and you're legally on the hook. The key difference: you knew what you were getting into.
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Voluntary liens are created through documents the owner signs, such as mortgages and home equity loans. The owner benefits from the financing these liens secure. Voluntary liens are typically subordinate to involuntary liens like tax and judgment liens. Lenders prioritize voluntary liens created with knowledge and consent of the borrower.
Pro Tip
When reviewing liens, remember: voluntary liens are things you agreed to. Always understand what you're signing before the ink hits the page.
Example
A homeowner voluntarily obtains a home equity loan and grants the lender a second mortgage lien to secure it.