Final Order Made / Decree Absolute

Hi all, following 3 years of protracted civil divorce proceedings, the Judge made a Final Order whereby I have to pay a lump sum of X amount in the next few months.
W was applicant and I (H) am the respondent.
I intend to pay the lum sum, but my question is now the Judge has made the Final Order in the final hearing, what happens to the Decree Absolute?

Should this have been issued at the same time. Ive read somewhere the Final Order is only binding when the Decree Absolute is issued?

Or, does the W still need to apply for it? I am aware if she fails to apply for it, I have the recourse to do this.

Thanks

The order will not be enforceable until the decree absolute is made.

The Court can deal with the DA at the same time as the final order if an application for the DA is made. The Court can't issue the DA without an application by one of the parties.

Charles

Thank you kindly