Does CSA ever stop ?

[Versys]

I have been with the CSA since day one some 16 years ago and despite not ever missing a payment in all these years I cant get to the bottom of when it stops. I know from other questions asked that it is 19 if in full time education. The problem is that I know my ex is claiming benefit based on my son being in full time education, however I know that he has not been at college since Sept 2009. The CSA will only say " as long as she is in receupt of benefit, you keep paying". They have no interest in how she gets the benefit, only that she does. I cant investigate this as I have not spoken to her in 14 years. It just seems to me that the CSA are only interested in getting people to pay and have no interest in the other side of ensuring that it stops appropriately. He is nearly 18 and I am still paying £350 per month for him and have done so for 15 years.

[ummmm]

She works Sara....

[tamborine]

Versys...wots your conclusion - will you accept wisdom & continue paying or 'shop' your ex. Am off to work soon so would like a happy ending here ;)

[ummmm]

Is CSA taking it directly from your wages?

[sara3]

actually, I'd rather she stopped leaching off me, the tax-payer!

[ChuckFickens]

why would it be wise to continue paying?

[ummmm]

Sara....she works, and so does her partner.

[ummmm]

Chuck....stop asking silly questions..! You know our minds are not on the same wavelength :-)

[sara3]

I know.. give me her details, I'll get it sorted out, lol!

[Versys]

Tamo..
So you can go off to work...
Lokking at all of the advice, I think its time to do 2 things. Adress the benefit thing and hopefully stop the CSA. Try and establish contact with my son and help him out if he needs it. The bizarre thing is despite all of the money paid, it has gone to his mother and had she been more objective he would have had a hell of a lot more.
I think its clear I dont mind handing over money but when Im sure its not getting to him and is just updating her wardrobe, it sticks in my throat a bit.

[ummmm]

If you haven't seen her for 14 years how do you know she hasn't changed?

[Versys]

ummm
Its not taken from my wages but soon would be as I am a civil servant and easy CSA prey.
Her partner doesnt just work, he owns a sucessful building company!

[Versys]

ummm
Leopard and spots my friend, leopard and spots. If she had changed things surrounding the CSA and benefits would have more clarity.

[ummmm]

I would stop paying as of today then. To take it directly from your wages there will be forms to fill in...by then you might have it sorted. CSA are not known to be the quickest workers...

[Versys]

ummm
I wonder if that is a new process? I only say that because about 5 years ago I forgot to inform them of a change of address and during that time they reassessed me and raised the payment. The first I knew about it was a £1800 arrears deduction from my pay without warning :-(

[sara3]

at least 5 years ago you would have had to pay, that may not be the case now. I agree with ummmm, stop paying, see what official forms turn up. hopefully the ex will realise party time is over.

[ummmm]

I really wouldn't know as I've had no dealing with them.

[Versys]

Thanks everybody for taking the time to comment. Got to go and get ready for what looks like a cold and vary damp weekend at Brands Hatch.
Take care all
versys.