Question regarding CSA and benefits

Posted by: dts
27/01/10 at 8:36 am

Hi all,

My wife and I are recently separated and so far we have managed to remain amicable and have sorted out all the finances, future maintenance levels, who has what, etc.

My question concerns benefits and the CSA.

During my research I found loads of sites that said the csa only get involved if either or both of  you ask them to or if either party starts claiming certain benefits.

I also came across a couple of sites claiming that the csa will stop their interference if requested to by both parties signing a letter saying that they do not wish the csa to be involved.

My question is twofold. First of all is the above true. And if it is true, then if one party starts to claim one of the prescribed benefits, will the csa stop their involvement, if you both sign a letter which is sent to them, saying that you do not wish them to be involved.

I understand that csa involvement is supposed to voluntary if claiming one of the prescribed benefits, but I get the distinct impression that they would make it as difficult as possible to avoid.

Many thanks to anyone who can help me with this, as I have been unable to find a definitve answer to this particular question on the web in spite of much research into this.