**Ongoing Legal Battle Between Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Escalates**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Taylor-Frankie-Paul-Dakota-Mortensen-031826-5a2b34d6f3734f208c8863b5ab88d619.jpg)
The custody dispute between Taylor Frankie Paul, well-known from the reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen has taken a troubling turn, with both parties seeking protective orders against each other. This ongoing legal drama centres around their two-year-old son, Ever True, and has local media scrutinising every development closely.
Recently, Paul filed for a protective order on behalf of herself and Ever, just days after Mortensen submitted his own request for a similar order. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, both filings were submitted in mid-March, reflecting ongoing tensions and allegations of domestic abuse within their relationship.
In an April court proceeding, a judge expressed that he had “concerns both ways” regarding the safety of both parents and their child. The court ultimately opted to award Mortensen primary custody of Ever, while allowing Paul supervised visitation up to eight hours a week. The supervision will be carried out either by a designated paid supervisor or a person vetted by a guardian ad litem. This arrangement is set to remain effective until the next court hearing scheduled for April 30.
The April hearing will address the competing protective orders and could potentially lead to adjustments in the custody arrangements or further legal consequences for either party. The court has also indicated a desire to determine if any criminal charges will be pursued against one or both of the individuals involved.
Elements of the couple’s tumultuous relationship were made public through Paul’s filing, where she alleged that Mortensen was responsible for a “high number of instances of abuse and domestic violence.” In her sworn declaration, Paul detailed how their relationship had become increasingly volatile over time, culminating in incidents that left her fearful for her safety.
Paul claims that the realisation of their relationship’s end occurred for Mortensen in February 2026, after which his behaviour allegedly escalated. In her statement, she expressed that despite a previously decent co-parenting dynamic, Mortensen’s filing for a protective order appeared to be a calculated effort to undermine her career.
Moreover, Paul firmly rejected Mortensen’s depiction of her as an abusive mother and co-parent, asserting that evidence will show he has been the primary aggressor in their interactions. She expressed her commitment to countering his claims in a separate declaration ahead of their next hearing.
Acknowledging her own past mistakes, Paul concluded her statements by asserting the need for protection from Mortensen, claiming that his alleged verbal and physical abuse could continue if left unchecked. She pointed out that she has maintained a successful and amicable co-parenting relationship with her previous partner, Tate Paul, distinguishing that experience from her current situation.
As this legal battle continues, both parties have been contacted by PEOPLE for further comment. The fallout from their tumultuous relationship has captured widespread public attention, raising discussions around domestic violence and the complexities of shared custody.
If you or someone you know is grappling with issues related to domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support and can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7 in various languages.
This developing story highlights the personal struggles that can unfold behind the scenes of public life, as well as the significant implications for those involved in contentious custody disputes. As the court proceedings unfold, observers will be keenly awaiting further updates on the situation.