The Jennifer Ashenfelter story is a disturbing illustration of parental irresponsibility, highlighting a critical issue often overlooked: mothers who fail to meet their child support obligations. While societal narratives often focus on fathers who neglect their financial duties, Ashenfelter’s case serves as a stark reminder that parental neglect transcends gender.
Court Records Expose a Pattern of Neglect
Pasco County court records (Case No. 03-013031-FD) offer a detailed and damning account of Ashenfelter’s chronic failure to provide financial support for her children. Initiated in 2003 by Eric Bittner, the father of one of her children, this case reveals a pattern of disregard for court orders and a blatant disregard for her children’s well-being.
- Contempt and Arrest Warrants: The numerous “Motions for Contempt” and “Writs of Bodily Attachment” filed against Ashenfelter demonstrate a persistent refusal to comply with court-mandated child support payments. The issuance of arrest warrants further underscores the severity of her non-compliance.
- Mounting Arrears: “Arrears Calculation Sheets” meticulously document the growing debt of unpaid child support, painting a picture of financial neglect spanning years. This accumulating debt represents not just a financial burden for the fathers, but a direct deprivation of resources that should have been used to support her children’s needs.
- State Intervention: The involvement of the Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Section highlights the state’s efforts to intervene and enforce these obligations. Yet, Ashenfelter’s persistent non-compliance reveals the limitations of the system in compelling a parent who prioritizes personal desires over their children’s welfare.
Beyond Finances: A Deeper Neglect
Ashenfelter’s failure to pay child support is only one facet of a broader pattern of neglect. Her alleged choices – methamphetamine addiction, involvement in prostitution, and a series of alleged criminal activities – have created an environment of instability and danger for her children.
- Abandonment of Responsibility: Ashenfelter’s alleged actions demonstrate a complete abandonment of her parental responsibilities. Her children have been deprived of a stable and nurturing maternal presence, forced to bear the emotional and psychological scars of her neglect.
- A Father’s Burden: The fathers of Ashenfelter’s children have been left to shoulder the full burden of parenting, providing not only financial support but also the emotional security and guidance that she has allegedly failed to provide.
A Societal Blind Spot: Mothers Who Fail to Support
Ashenfelter’s case forces us to confront a societal blind spot: the issue of mothers who neglect their financial obligations to their children. While deadbeat dads are often the focus of public discourse, Ashenfelter’s story reminds us that parental neglect transcends gender.
- Challenging Stereotypes: We must challenge the stereotype that only fathers fail to provide financial support. Mothers, too, can abandon their responsibilities, leaving their children to suffer the consequences.
- Equal Accountability: The legal system must hold both mothers and fathers equally accountable for meeting their child support obligations. Children deserve the support of both parents, regardless of gender.
A Call for Change: Prioritizing Children’s Well-being
The Jennifer Ashenfelter case is a clarion call for change. It demands that we:
- Strengthen Enforcement: Improve the enforcement of child support orders, ensuring that all parents, regardless of gender, are held accountable for meeting their financial obligations.
- Address Addiction and Mental Health: Provide accessible and effective treatment for addiction and mental health issues, recognizing the link between these challenges and parental neglect.
- Support Single Parents: Offer increased support and resources to single parents who are struggling to provide for their children, particularly those who have been abandoned by the other parent.
- Prioritize Children’s Needs: Place the needs of children at the forefront of all decisions related to child support and custody, ensuring that their well-being is protected.
Jennifer Ashenfelter’s story is a tragedy for her children, a burden for their fathers, and a stark reminder of the consequences of parental neglect. It is a story that demands our attention, our compassion, and our commitment to creating a society where all children receive the support they deserve.
Register of Actions
Case No. 03-013031-FD
ERIC BITTNER, et al vs. JENNIFER ASHENFELTER §
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Case Type: PATERNITY - NON IVD
Date Filed: 11/21/2003
Location: Section 22
Judicial Officer: SCHAEFER, JOHN A
UNIFORM CASE NUMBER: 522003DR013031XXFDFD
Party Information
Attorneys
PETITIONER BITTNER, ERIC ERIC D BARNES, ESQ
LAW OFFICE OF ERIC D BARNES
1702 LENAWEE LOOP APT 208
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34655-6719
727-437-6033(W)
10610 BRIAN LN
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34654-2635
PETITIONER FLORIDA STATE OFDEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AMANDA GAEL MCCARTHY
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SECTION
P O BOX 3342
ST PETERSBURG, FL 33731
727-825-7600(W)ALBERT J ARENA
ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SECTION
PO BOX 3342
ST PETERSBURG, FL 33731-3342
727-825-7600(W)
19361 U.S. HWY 19 N
CLEARWATER, FL 33764
RESPONDENT ASHENFELTER, JENNIFER Female White
DOB: 10/27/1979
5' 7", 132 lbs
9020 UNICORN AVE
PORT RICHEY, FL 34668-4855
Events & Orders of the Court
OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
08/10/2018 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET Doc # 2
06/01/2018 NOTICE REDIRECT SUPPORT FROM DOR Doc # 1
04/28/2015 CERTIFIED COPY
FINDINGS/ORDER OF COURT - ARRESTED
04/20/2015 2 CC FINDINGS-ORDER TO SHERIFF
1 CC: SHERIFF. NO RECORD OF ARREST AND RELEASE ON SHF WEB
Party: ASHENFELTER, JENNIFER
04/16/2015 EXHIBIT
2- RECEIPTS
04/16/2015 RESPONDENT'S QUESTIONNAIRE
ENTERED AS EXHIBIT
04/16/2015 ARREARAGE AFFIDAVIT
ENTERED AS EXHIBIT
04/16/2015 FINDINGS-ORDER OF CONTEMPT
RETURN WRIT RELEASE
04/14/2015 MOTION FOR CONTEMPT (10:00 AM) (Magistrate FLANNERY, JOSEPH)
Vol Return on Writ
02/18/2015 2 CC FINDINGS-ORDER TO SHERIFF
WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT
Party: ASHENFELTER, JENNIFER
02/18/2015 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET
W/ATTACHMENT
02/16/2015 ARREARAGE AFFIDAVIT
ENTERED AS EXHIBIT
02/16/2015 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SHEET
02/16/2015 FINDINGS-ORDER OF CONTEMPT
ORDER WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT PAY $1400.00 ON 021315
Vol./Book 18683, Page 1318, 9 pages
02/16/2015 INCOME DEDUCTION ORDER
02/02/2015 MOTION FOR CONTEMPT (8:30 AM) (Magistrate FLANNERY, JOSEPH)
Motion for Contempt
11/20/2014 CASE REOPENED
11/20/2014 NOTICE OF HEARING
020215 8:30
11/20/2014 PLTF-PET'S MOTION FOR CONTEMPT
11/20/2014 DESIGNATION OF E-MAIL ADDRESS(ES)
AND NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE (AMENDED)
11/20/2014 CIVIL COVER SHEET
12/23/2013 REOPEN - CLOSED
09/20/2013 NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS OF DEFENDANT
04/26/2010 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET
Comment: ARREARS CALCULATION SCREEN; VER: F; K
09/14/2009 DEPOSITORY NOTICE REMOVING DOR FROM CASE
Comment: DOR LOCATION CHANGED TO NORTH FROM NONE BY 0623; VER: N; P
09/10/2009 DEPOSITORY NOTICE OF REDIRECTION OF SUPPORT
Comment: DEPOSITORY NOTICE OF REDIRECTION OF SUPPORT; VER: F; P
08/20/2009 REQUEST FOR COPIES
Comment: REQUEST FOR COPIES /SENT TO WHS TO PROCESS; VER: N; K
07/09/2009 CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
Comment: CERTIFICATE OF MAILING; VER: F; K
07/08/2009 MOTION FOR CONTEMPT
Comment: MOTION CONTEMPT PRO SE; VER: F; P
07/08/2009 CASE REOPENED
Comment: REOPEN CASE/OTHER; VER: N; P
12/12/2007 JUDGMENT BY OPERATION OF LAW
Comment: JUDGMENT BY OPERATION OF LAW OR16100PG1307-001; VER: R; K
Vol./Book 16100, Page 1307, 001 pages
11/13/2007 NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS
Comment: NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS COPY; VER: F; K
10/16/2007 NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS
Comment: NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS COPY; VER: F; K
09/21/2007 ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSITORY
Comment: ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSTRY (COPY0; VER: F; P
09/17/2007 NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS
Comment: NOTICE OF OVERDUE SUPPORT PAYMENTS COPY; VER: F; K
09/12/2007 INTRO LETTER RE SUPPORT OBLIGATION
Comment: INTRO LETTER RE: SUPPORT OBLIGATION; VER: F; K
09/12/2007 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET
Comment: ARREARS CALCULATION SCREEN; VER: F; K
09/07/2007 ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSITORY
Comment: ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSTRY; VER: F; P
09/07/2007 SUPPLEMENTAL
Comment: SUPPLEMENTAL FINAL ORDER; VER: F; P
09/07/2007 CORRESPONDENCE TO COURT RE
Comment: CORRESPONDENCE TO COURT RE: PROPOSED ORDER; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT A FILED IN EVIDENCE FINANCIAL AFFD; VER: F; D
08/27/2007 CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET
Comment: CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT E FILED IN EVIDENCE COPY DEFTS FINANCIAL AFFD; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT A FILED IN EVIDENCE COPY FINANCIAL AFFD; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT D FILED IN EVIDENCE INVOICE FOR ATTYS FEES; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 AS TO:
Comment: AS TO: R CLUB PALM HARBOR ELEMENTRY; VER: F; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT C COMPOSITE FILED IN EVIDENCE COPY STATEMENT; VER: N; P
08/27/2007 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT B FILED IN EVIDENCE COPY FORM 1099-MISC; VER: F; P
07/24/2007 NOTICE OF APPEARANCE
Comment: NOTICE OF APPEARANCE; VER: F; D
07/19/2007 AFFIDAVIT-DECLARATION UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY
Comment: AFFIDAVIT/DECLARATION UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY; VER: F; P
07/19/2007 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING
Comment: AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING 082707 1:00; VER: F; P
06/29/2007 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING
Comment: AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING 070907 @ 2:45; VER: F; P
05/09/2007 NOTICE OF UNAVAILABILITY
Comment: NOTICE OF UNAVAILABILITY; VER: F; P
05/04/2007 NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION
Comment: NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION; VER: F; P
05/04/2007 NOTICE OF HEARING
Comment: NOTICE OF HEARING 062707 @ 11; VER: F; P
04/20/2007 ORDER
Comment: ORDER ON MOTION TO COMPEL MANDATORY DISCLOSURE; VER: F; P
04/12/2007 NOTICE OF HEARING
Comment: NOTICE OF HEARING 041707 4:00; VER: F; P
04/09/2007 CASE REOPENED
Comment: REOPEN CASE/OTHER; VER: N; P
04/09/2007 PLTF-PET'S MOTION TO COMPEL
Comment: MOTION TO COMPEL PRODUCTION; VER: F; P
02/22/2007 REQUEST FOR COMPLIANCE WITH MAND DISCLOSURE
Comment: REQUEST FOR COMPLIANCE W/MAND DISCLOSURE; VER: F; P
02/12/2007 SUMMONS - RETURNED SERVED
Comment: SUMMONS RETD SERVED JENNIFER ASHENFELTER (SUPPLEMENTAL); VER: F; K
01/22/2007 SUMMONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION
Comment: SUMMONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION -VENTURE PS; VER: N; K
01/22/2007 REQUEST FOR
Comment: REQUEST FOR: SUMMONS; VER: F; P
01/22/2007 PETITIONER'S FINANCIAL STATEMENT-AFFIDAVIT
Comment: FINANCIAL STATEMENT/AFFIDAVIT; VER: F; P
01/22/2007 SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION
Comment: SUPPLEMENTAL PETITION ATTY BARNES; VER: F; P
01/22/2007 REOPEN CASE-MODIFICATION
Comment: REOPEN CASE/MODIFICATION; VER: N; P
01/22/2007 Reopen Fee Paid $
Comment: RE-OPEN FEE PAID - $50.00; VER: N; P
07/14/2004 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET
Comment: ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET; VER: F; K
06/17/2004 STIPULATION
Comment: STIPULATION ON TEMP ISSUES ETC; VER: F; P
06/17/2004 ORDER
Comment: ORDER ON STIPULATION SUSPEND SUPPORT OR13654PG1940-002; VER: F; P
Vol./Book 13654, Page 1940, 002 pages
06/09/2004 ATTORNEY COVER LETTER
Comment: ATTORNEY COVER LETTER FILED W/CLERK 061704; VER: F; P
06/04/2004 NOTICE OF UNAVAILABILITY
Comment: NOTICE OF UNAVAILABILITY; VER: F; P
03/31/2004 MEMORANDUM TO CLERK
Comment: MEMORANDUM TO CLERK; VER: F; P
03/31/2004 ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSITORY
Comment: ORDER DIR PMT SUPP THRU CENT GOVT DEPOSTRY/MEMORANDUM TO CLERK; VER: F; P
03/31/2004 ATTORNEY COVER LETTER
Comment: ATTORNEY COVER LETTER; VER: N; P
03/29/2004 CORRESPONDENCE FROM CLERK RE
Comment: CORRESPONDENCE FROM CLERK RE: DH FORM 673; VER: N; K
03/22/2004 MEMORANDUM TO CLERK
Comment: FAX MEMORANDUM TO CLERK; VER: F; P
03/22/2004 FINAL JUDGMENT
Comment: COPY FINAL JUDGMENT TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY; VER: F; P
03/19/2004 COPY CORRESPONDENCE FROM CLERK RE
Comment: COPY CORRESPONDENCE FROM CLERK RE: LTR ATTY BARNES-NEED INFO; VER: F; K
03/19/2004 ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET
Comment: ARREARS CALCULATION SHEET NEW CS CASE; VER: F; K
03/10/2004 FINDINGS-JUDGMENT OF PATERNITY (SRS NOT CLOSING)
Comment: FINDINGS/JUDGMENT OF PATERNITY/SUPPORT OR13427PG1412-002; VER: F; P
Vol./Book 13427, Page 1412, 002 pages
03/10/2004 JUDGMENT (SRS)
Comment: JUDGMENT; VER: N; P
03/10/2004 FINAL DISPOSITION FORM
Comment: FINAL DISPOSITION FORM; VER: F; P
03/10/2004 TEXT
Comment: EVIDENCE FROM 030904 HEARING; VER: F; P
03/10/2004 CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET
Comment: CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET; VER: F; P
03/10/2004 EXHIBIT
Comment: EXHIBIT 1 FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT; VER: F; P
02/06/2004 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION - RESPONDENT
Comment: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION; VER: F; D
01/16/2004 NOTICE OF HEARING
Comment: NOTICE OF HEARING 030904 AT 11:30; VER: F; P
01/16/2004 REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION
Comment: REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS; VER: F; P
12/29/2003 CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
Comment: CERTIFICATE OF MAILING; VER: F; K
12/24/2003 TEXT
Comment: JENNIFER ASHENFELTER PRO SE; VER: F; D
12/24/2003 CONTESTED ANSWER
Comment: CONTESTED ANSWER; VER: N; D
12/11/2003 ORDER TO ATTEND DIVORCE A CHILD'S VIEW
Comment: ORDER TO ATTEND DIVORCE: A CHILD'S VIEW; VER: F; P
12/08/2003 SUMMONS - RETURNED SERVED
Comment: SUMMONS RETD SERVED JENNIFER ASHENFELTER 120503; VER: F; K
12/03/2003 AFFIDAVIT AS TO MILITARY SERVICE
Comment: AFFIDAVIT AS TO MILITARY SERVICE; VER: F; P
11/24/2003 PLTF-PET MOTION-ORDER APPOINTING PROCESS SERVER
Comment: MOTION ORDER APPOINTING PROCESS SERVER; VER: F; P
11/21/2003 SUMMONS TO PROCESS SERVER
Comment: SUMMONS TO PROCESS SERVER; VER: N; K
11/21/2003 PETITIONER'S FINANCIAL STATEMENT-AFFIDAVIT
Comment: FINANCIAL STATEMENT/AFFIDAVIT; VER: F; P
11/21/2003 MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Comment: SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT; VER: F; P
11/21/2003 CIVIL COVER SHEET
Comment: CIVIL COVER SHEET; VER: F; P
11/21/2003 PETITION FOR PATERNITY
Comment: COMPLAINT FOR PATERNITY; VER: F; P
11/21/2003 Circuit Civil Filing - Fee Paid $
Comment: CIRCUIT CIVIL FILING FEE PAID $155.00; VER: N; P
11/21/2003 THIS CASE ASSIGNED BY CLERK TO SECTION
Comment: THIS CASE ASSIGNED BY CLERK TO SECTION 022 BY 9965 - RANDOM FD; VER: N; P
11/21/2003 CASE FILED
11/21/2003 CASE FILED
Financial Information
RESPONDENT ASHENFELTER, JENNIFER
Total Financial Assessment 16.20
Total Payments and Credits 16.20
Balance Due as of 05/09/2020
0.00
09/20/2013 Transaction Assessment 16.20
09/20/2013 Counter Payment Receipt # CV-2013-76458 ASHENFELTER, JENNIFER (16.20)
Case Number Citation Number Style/Defendant Info Filed/Location/Judicial Officer Type Charge(s)
03-013031-FD
ERIC BITTNER, et al vs. JENNIFER ASHENFELTER
11/21/2003
Section 22
SCHAEFER, JOHN A
PATERNITY - NON IVD
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