Since the deferred dowry is considered a debt, is it better to pay it as soon as one is able, to avoid dying while indebted, even if no specific payment time was set? And is it necessary to change the paid amount from deferred to prompt in the marriage contract, or is it sufficient to document this and have it witnessed, even if the payment is made in installments?

It is permissible to expedite the deferred Mahr and receive it before its due time if the husband pays it willingly, whether a term was specified for it or not. This is better for clearing the conscience and has no bearing on the validity of the marriage contract. The deferred Mahr is written to guarantee the agreed-upon right of the woman, and it is sufficient to prove its receipt with any document to avoid future disputes.