Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen: Court Battles and Protective Orders
The volatile relationship between The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen has shifted from the screen to the courtroom. Recent legal filings in Utah reveal a complex web of mutual accusations, protective orders, and a high-stakes battle over the custody of their two-year-old son, Ever.
Mutual Protective Orders and Court Rulings
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Salt Lake District Court handled a series of filings that highlight the ongoing conflict between the pair. According to NBC News, Taylor Frankie Paul filed a temporary protective order against Dakota Mortensen. Her legal team alleges that Mortensen has engaged in a “pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control,” detailing four specific incidents during their relationship.
This filing occurred just an hour before a hearing regarding a separate protective order that Mortensen had filed against Paul on March 20. During that process, Mortensen accused Paul of multiple instances of domestic violence. In a ruling issued on April 7, Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas upheld the protective order against Paul.
Impact on Parental Visitation
The court’s decision has significant implications for Paul’s access to her son. While Mortensen gained full custody of Ever on March 20, the most recent ruling provides a short-term compromise: Paul is granted visiting time with her son, but only under the requirement of third-party supervision. This ruling remains in effect until the next scheduled court date on April 30, where a full evidentiary hearing will address custody and protective orders.
Domestic Violence Allegations and Police Investigations
Central to these legal disputes is an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred in February. This specific event has been under investigation by the Draper City Police Department. While the details of the investigation remain ongoing, Paul’s lawyer, Eric Swinyard, stated during the Tuesday hearing that no charges are currently expected to be filed against either party in relation to the February incident, as reported by NBC News.
Influence on ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
The personal turmoil between Paul and Mortensen has spilled over into their professional lives. Both are stars of the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which has aired four seasons. The fallout from the February incident was severe enough that the cast of the present unanimously decided to pause the filming of season five.
- Mutual Filings: Both Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen have sought protective orders against one another in Salt Lake District Court.
- Supervised Visitation: A judge ruled that Paul must have third-party supervision when visiting her son, Ever.
- Custody Status: Mortensen was granted temporary full custody of their son on March 20.
- Production Delay: The domestic violence investigation led the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to pause filming for season five.
- Next Steps: A full evidentiary hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Taylor Frankie Paul’s custody of her son?
As of April 7, 2026, Dakota Mortensen has full custody, though Taylor Frankie Paul has been granted supervised visiting hours until the next court hearing on April 30.
Are there criminal charges related to the February domestic violence incident?
According to Paul’s attorney, no charges are expected to be filed against either Paul or Mortensen by the Draper City Police Department regarding the February incident.
How has this affected the Hulu show ‘Mormon Wives’?
The cast unanimously decided to pause filming on the fifth season of the series following the investigation into the February incident.
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