Can I stop the CSA

[TheGoodAunt]

The CSA have successfully secured Child Maintenance for DCs for a number of years. Actually, ExH has never quibbled about the CSA and although my relationship with him is not the best, we do want DCs to have a good relationship with their father so we both make an effort.
Recent changes to both my and ExH's circumstances have brought about a CSA reassessment. ExH really thought he would not have to pay much or at all. TBH I, too, thought he might not have to pay any longer. Not so. Not a massive variation on the old amount, in fact.
I do think this new assessment is causing so much upset, that it could indirectly adversely affect the relationship between ExH and DCs. I think I would rather stop the CSA. ExH is not mean with the DCs and extras, but already he's in danger of getting into arrears, is quite depressed and I think the relationship between the DCs and their father is much more important than the CSA's involvment.

Does anyone know if I can simply tell the CSA I do not wish them to act for me anymore? I work and I'm not on benefits, but I do get tax credits (working & child).

I intend to phone them tomorrow and I've told my ExH that I'm going to ask them to stop, but now I'm concerned that that the CSA won't allow me to stop it.

Does anyone know? Thanks for your help.

[TheGoodAunt]

Thank you NatashaBee, I'll ring them in the morning. He's self-employed (sole trader) so his income has always had the potential to be variable, but ill a lot recently.

I think as long as the DCs and I aren't facing hardship, it would be fairer to let him pay what he can on a voluntarily basis, for the time being.

[starlight1234]

The CSA will close your case if you ask..but do think back to the reason you went to the CSA...Are you sure his income has dropped as much as he is saying? Even on benefits they are expected to pay £5 a week...

If you are happy with this and think you can work it out amicably then go ahead

[TheGoodAunt]

Thank you starlight, I do see where you're coming from.

Apparently, so do the CSA! I did phone them to close the case, but they recommended that instead of closing the case, I 'suspend' it.

As I understood it, that can have the same effect, in that it takes the pressure off my ExH, no one will from the CSA will contact him while the case is suspended and the CSA will leave us to sort it out between us.

Meantime the case remains (I think) 'frozen'. If things work out fairly, I can close it at a later date. If not, then I can 'un-suspend' it and the CSA will continue where we left off.

Sounds ideal. A chance to cooperate and do the best we can between us, but with a bit of a safety net! Good idea!