Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her association with the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is currently embroiled in a significant personal controversy. This situation has garnered widespread attention due to an ongoing domestic violence investigation involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. This turmoil led ABC to cancel the Season 22 premiere of The Bachelorette following a leaked video that depicted Taylor in a confrontation with Dakota, during which their daughter, Indy, was present.
In a recent court ruling, Taylor Frankie Paul lost temporary custody of her 2-year-old son, Ever, to Dakota Mortensen. He sought and was granted a protective order amid the domestic violence allegations against Taylor. As a result, she is prohibited from seeing Ever until April 2026, with a requirement to maintain a distance of 100 feet from Dakota and his residence. Dakota’s claims included a recent incident where he alleged that Taylor choked him, further complicating the custody arrangement.
The upcoming hearing regarding Ever’s custody is scheduled for April 7, 2026. During this session, Taylor will have the opportunity to defend her position. Dakota has referenced both the recent incident and a previous altercation involving a chair, which occurred in front of their daughter. The outcome of the hearing will be influenced not only by Taylor’s arguments but also by the ongoing investigations from local authorities, including the Draper City Police Department and the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
Taylor’s personal life has been tumultuous in recent years. After her marriage to Tate Paul ended in 2022, she became involved with Dakota Mortensen. They welcomed their son Ever in March 2024, but their relationship ended in January 2025. Reports suggest that differing views on marriage contributed to the split, with Dakota expressing a desire to marry and Taylor being hesitant due to her previous experiences. Taylor has openly discussed her fears of emotional pain and the challenges of moving forward.
The pressures of her current situation weigh heavily on Taylor. In a recent interview, she expressed her struggles with personal and professional obligations during this challenging time. She articulated that, despite her difficulties, she feels a need to engage with her work and not let opportunities slip away due to her circumstances.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s ongoing custody battle and personal challenges prompt significant public interest. Her supporters and critics alike are eager to see how the upcoming court hearings will unfold and what impact they will have on her family dynamics and future.