Care and support

When does an administration order end?

An administration order ends when you have paid all the debts, or the percentage of them that was agreed by the court, and the court fees.

Generally, an administration order lasts for about 3 years, particularly if a composition order has been granted. However, administration orders can last longer than this. To shorten an administration order to 3 years, see above, ‘How do I ask for a composition order?’

If you do not pay, the court will probably arrange a hearing before a district judge for you to explain the reasons why you have not paid. It is important that you attend this hearing – if you do not it is likely that the court will cancel (revoke) the administration order.

If the court cancels the order, the court will no longer collect and distribute payments on your behalf. Individual creditors, prevented from taking enforcement action while you had an administration order, would now be free to pursue you. If you cannot afford the instalments, it is vital that you ask for a review of your administration order and for a lower instalment rate.