Interim payment

An interim payment is a partial payment made by a defendant, sometimes ordered by the court, before a case fully concludes, on account of the amount likely to be awarded at the end.

It is not common in every case, and typically applies where liability is largely clear or admitted, and only the exact quantum remains disputed, so a court is willing to order partial payment rather than making the claimant wait for a full trial outcome.

For a scam victim facing financial hardship while a case proceeds, an interim payment can ease pressure, though it depends heavily on the defendant actually having funds available to pay.

When it matters

A lawyer assessing a case may raise interim payment as an option specifically where there is a long gap expected before final judgment.