Instalment Order

A court order allowing a judgement debtor to pay a judgement debt by regular instalments rather than in a single lump sum. The court considers the debtor's income, essential expenditure, and other debts when setting the instalment amount.

In practice

A debtor can apply for an instalment order at the time of judgement or afterwards. While instalments are being paid as ordered, the creditor cannot enforce by other means without the court's permission. If the debtor defaults on the instalment payments, the creditor can apply to enforce the full remaining balance. Instalment orders are commonly used alongside attachment of earnings to ensure compliance.