LOL, you're giving the CSA far too much credit for basic intelligence.

I know a lass whose 18yo son lives with his dad (it's complicated). Her 16yo lives with her yet she can't get any money out of her ex as he's been (slightly) clever about it. Why they do this, so money is paid backwards and forwards is beyond me, hence my comment of keeping these useless w***ers in a job.

Anyway, the CSA were stinging her for maintenance as the 18yo was supposed to be in full time education. WRONG! He was in Africa (Zimbabwe was mentioned) with the TA on training exercises and hadn't attended college for a year. They got it wrong, big time yet still told her she had to pay up even when told where he was. They clearly don't have access to information held by HMRC, NI, etc, etc. She had to go a do all the "dectective work" for the CSA and it's only recently that it's been brought to court, basically 'cos they couldn't be arsed to do anything more than send letters out to him. She gets no extra benefits to make up the deficit, so the comment made about the tax payer (and I am one btw) picking up the tab is inaccurate, not to mention intentionally offensive.

Don't tell your ex what you're doing just disappear. For 12 weeks, the CSA won't even realise you've been gone. Don't tell them or your ex and you can get on with planning the next trip when you get back.

Happy Days!