Reality Star Barred From Unsupervised Visits With Son

Taylor Frankie Paul faces court battle over protective order and custody of 2-year-old

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:30am

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A Utah court commissioner has ruled that Taylor Frankie Paul, a star of the reality show 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', cannot have unsupervised visits with her 2-year-old son due to a history of volatile behavior directed at the boy's father while the children were present. The commissioner cited concerns about Paul's actions, including a 2023 video showing her appearing to punch, kick, and throw chairs at the father, Dakota Mortensen, while their young daughter watched and cried.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges of balancing child custody and domestic violence allegations, especially when high-profile reality TV stars are involved. The court's decision to limit Paul's visits with her son to supervised time only underscores the seriousness of the concerns about her behavior and the need to prioritize the child's wellbeing.

The details

At a hearing on Tuesday, Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas said he had 'concerns going both ways' about the competing allegations between Paul and Mortensen. Mortensen has asked the court to turn a short-term protective order against his ex into a long-term one, while Paul filed her own request for a protective order just before the hearing. Lawyers for both sides and a court-appointed attorney for the couple's son addressed several heated and sometimes violent interactions between the pair, some of which were caught on video. In one key video from 2023, Paul appeared to physically assault Mortensen while their young daughter watched and cried. That video leak last month led to the unprecedented move by ABC to shelve Paul's already-filmed season of 'The Bachelorette'.

  • In May 2025, a video showed Paul pushing Mortensen and shouting at him to get out of her house while he was holding their son.
  • In February 2023, an incident known as 'the truck tussle' is under investigation by police in Draper City, Utah.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

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

Dakota Mortensen

The father of Paul's 2-year-old son, who has asked the court to turn a short-term protective order against his ex into a long-term one.

Ever

The 2-year-old son of Paul and Mortensen, who has a court-appointed attorney representing his interests.

Russell Minas

The Third District Court Commissioner who ruled that Paul cannot have unsupervised visits with her son due to concerns about her behavior.

Eric Swinyard

A lawyer representing Taylor Frankie Paul.

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What they’re saying

“I have concerns going both ways”

— Russell Minas, Third District Court Commissioner

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

— Russell Minas, Third District Court Commissioner

What’s next

The hearing set the stage for an April 30 court battle in which Commissioner Minas will assess dueling petitions for protective orders between Paul and Mortensen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges of balancing child custody and domestic violence allegations, especially when high-profile reality TV stars are involved. The court's decision to limit Paul's visits with her son to supervised time only underscores the seriousness of the concerns about her behavior and the need to prioritize the child's wellbeing.