Reality TV Star Taylor Frankie Paul Loses Unsupervised Visits with Son

Court cites concerns over 'volatile behavior' in disputes with ex-partner

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:07pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the emotional intensity and volatility of the domestic disputes at the center of this news story.The turbulent personal life of a reality TV star exposes the complex challenges of domestic violence and child custody within the public eye.Draper Today

A Utah court commissioner has ruled that Taylor Frankie Paul, star of the reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' cannot have unsupervised visits with her 2-year-old son due to concerns over her past volatile behavior during confrontations with the child's father, Dakota Mortensen. The ruling comes as the former couple battles for protective orders against each other.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges faced by reality TV stars whose personal lives become public, as well as the complex issues of domestic violence, child custody, and the impact on children when parents have difficulty controlling their emotions.

The details

The court commissioner cited several incidents of alleged violence between Paul and Mortensen, including one in 2023 where Paul appeared to punch, kick, and throw chairs at Mortensen while their young daughter watched and cried. Paul was charged but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. The commissioner expressed concerns about Paul's 'volatility' and 'difficulty with self-control,' saying it puts the couple's son at risk.

  • In 2023, Paul was charged with aggravated assault and other offenses, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, after an altercation with Mortensen.
  • In February 2026, another fight between Paul and Mortensen is under investigation by police in Draper City, Utah.
  • On April 7, 2026, the court commissioner ruled that Paul can only have supervised visits with her son for now, pending a further hearing on April 30.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

The star of the reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' who was also set to appear on the most recent season of 'The Bachelorette' before it was pulled.

Dakota Mortensen

The father of Paul's 2-year-old son, with whom Paul has had a series of volatile confrontations.

Russell Minas

The Third District Court commissioner who ruled that Paul can only have supervised visits with her son due to concerns over her past behavior.

Michael McDonald

The court-appointed attorney for Paul and Mortensen's son, who expressed concerns about Paul's 'volatility' and 'difficulty with self-control.'

Daniela Diaz

The lawyer for Dakota Mortensen, who argued that Paul uses their shared child as a 'pawn' to perpetuate a cycle of abuse.

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What they’re saying

“'Even if he was trying to provoke a response, the actions that occurred are very troubling.'”

— Russell Minas, Third District Court Commissioner

“'To me, that makes me very nervous about her ability to control herself, and her volatility. I think that it puts my client at risk.'”

— Michael McDonald, Court-appointed attorney for Paul and Mortensen's son

“'He's often invited back and his child is often used as a pawn, as a pawn to start fights.'”

— Daniela Diaz, Lawyer for Dakota Mortensen

What’s next

The judge will assess dueling petitions for protective orders between Paul and Mortensen at a hearing on April 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges faced by reality TV stars whose personal lives become public, as well as the need for greater awareness and support around issues of domestic violence, child custody, and the impact on children when parents struggle to control their emotions.