The controversy could stem from the way in which FinCEN has opined on this topic of withdrawals from joint accounts. They clearly say that cash deposits TO these accounts benefit all joint owners. Then they say unless you know differently, you should consider that cash withdrawals benefit all joint owners, too. File the CTR to be on the safe side.
As for the SAR suggestion, I'd look carefully at these withdrawals and any other similar patterns to see if there is apparent structuring. When you decide yes or no, either file the SAR and retain the documentation backing it up, or don't file a SAR and document your decision not to file.
_________________________
John S. Burnett
BankersOnline.com
Fighting for Compliance since 1976
Bankers' Threads User #8