i feel totaly let down by the csa the system has failed both me and my son 4 over 11 years i gave all my exes details to them like they asked and ive not had a penny as they keep saying they cant trace him they need to start concentrating on absent parents and do rite by the kids cause there the ones who suffer.

I split up with my husband 12 yrs ago, and our kids stayed with him. He was on a pension, not working, and not once ever has the CSA contacted me regarding maintenance. I'm still clueless as to what it is/was really. We sorted our finances - who needs what when - ourselves amicably (and still do, though our eldest is now 19 and lives independently).
I am mystified why the CSA have never contacted me in 12 yrs, not that I am complaining, but we've never kept a running record of finances so I hope they never do!

The CSA will only contact you if your ex wants them too ......... i.e puts in a claim for maintenance ....... I have had dealings with the CSA myself but never had any issue with them ......... well would you want to listen to me at the end of a phone everyday giving you some greif ........

Ah, thanks Annmarie - after 12 yrs I can stop worrying about a nasty bill arriving on my doorstep???!!!!