What to Know About Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota’s Custody Battle

Overview of Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen’s Custody Dispute

Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, stars of the reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, have been embroiled in a contentious custody battle following their split in late 2024. The couple shares a son, Ever, born in March 2024, just months before their relationship ended. Since their separation, Paul and Mortensen have struggled to maintain a cooperative coparenting relationship, complicated by allegations of domestic violence and legal interventions.

Their custody dispute gained public attention in early 2026 after Salt Lake City police launched an investigation into an alleged domestic violence incident between the exes. The situation escalated when Dakota Mortensen filed for temporary sole custody of Ever, citing concerns for the child’s safety. This article delves into the details of their custody battle, the allegations made by both parties, and the current status of their parenting arrangements.

Background: The Relationship and Family Dynamics

Taylor Frankie Paul, a popular MomTok content creator, and Dakota Mortensen welcomed their son Ever in March 2024. Despite their breakup later that year, the couple attempted to navigate coparenting while occasionally rekindling their relationship. However, by fall 2025, Paul confirmed a definitive breakup prior to her participation in *The Bachelorette* season 22.

The couple’s complex relationship history includes a previous marriage between Taylor Frankie Paul and Tate Paul, with whom she shares two children. Taylor has described her coparenting relationship with Tate as amicable and flexible, contrasting sharply with the ongoing tensions with Mortensen.

Details of the Custody Battle and Legal Proceedings

The custody battle intensified in early 2026 when Dakota Mortensen filed a temporary restraining order against Taylor Frankie Paul. According to court documents, Mortensen alleged that Paul was emotionally unstable and physically aggressive during an altercation at her home in February 2026. He claimed that she choked him and shoved him into a window, prompting him to seek sole custody of their son to ensure Ever’s safety.

Mortensen also requested that Paul abstain from alcohol and drug use while caring for their child. Following the filing, a judge granted Mortensen temporary custody of Ever and issued a protective order against Paul. The court also limited Paul’s visitation rights to supervised visits of eight hours per week pending a further hearing.

In response, Taylor Frankie Paul denied the allegations of child abuse and domestic violence, asserting her commitment to being a good mother and maintaining a respectful relationship with her children. Her legal team countered Mortensen’s claims by alleging that he had assaulted her during a separate incident and accused him of using their son as leverage in the custody dispute.

Communication and Coparenting Challenges

Sources close to the situation have revealed that communication between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen is virtually nonexistent, with all custody-related matters being handled through family intermediaries. Mortensen’s representatives emphasized his priority is the well-being and protection of their son Ever, despite the difficulties in maintaining a cooperative relationship with Paul.

Taylor has expressed the emotional toll the custody battle has taken on her, acknowledging the challenges of coparenting amid legal conflicts and public scrutiny. During her time on *The Bachelorette*, she was transparent with the cast about her personal struggles and parenting responsibilities, highlighting her desire to be honest despite the complicated circumstances.

Impact on Their Son Ever and Future Outlook

The ongoing custody dispute between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen centers on the best interests of their son Ever. Both parents have made public statements underscoring their commitment to his safety and well-being, though their conflicting narratives have complicated the path forward.

The court’s current arrangement allows Taylor supervised visitation while Mortensen retains temporary sole custody. A protective hearing scheduled for late April 2026 will reassess these terms and potentially modify parenting time based on new evidence or agreements.

Experts in family law emphasize that custody battles involving allegations of domestic violence require careful consideration to protect the child’s emotional and physical health. The involvement of guardians ad litem and family counselors is often crucial in such cases to provide objective assessments and recommendations.

Resources for Domestic Violence and Family Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support related to family disputes, confidential help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233 and offers 24/7 assistance to those in need.

Conclusion

The custody battle between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen remains a complex and evolving situation marked by serious allegations and legal challenges. As both parents strive to protect their son Ever, the court continues to evaluate the best arrangements for his care and safety. For those following this high-profile case, staying informed about the developments is essential.

If you are navigating a difficult custody situation or need guidance on family legal matters, consult with a qualified attorney or support organization to explore your options and protect your rights.