Court Imposes Supervised Visitation for Utah Influencer Taylor Frankie Paul

Temporary order issued amid domestic violence allegations between Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered phone screen or cracked picture frame, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty details of a domestic violence case.The court's temporary protective order against influencer Taylor Frankie Paul reflects the complex dynamics of domestic violence allegations involving high-profile public figures.Salt Lake City Today

A Utah court has issued a temporary protective order requiring supervised visitation for influencer Taylor Frankie Paul with her 2-year-old son, Ever, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The order comes amid allegations of domestic violence between the former couple, including an incident in February where Paul allegedly choked Mortensen and another in 2023 where she was charged with aggravated assault. A full evidentiary hearing is set for April 30 to determine longer-term custody and protective orders.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complex dynamics of domestic violence allegations, especially when high-profile public figures are involved. The court must balance the safety of the child with the rights of the parents, while also considering potential mutual abuse claims. The outcome could set precedents for how Utah courts handle similar cases going forward.

The details

During the April 7 hearing, the court heard arguments from both sides. Mortensen's attorneys claimed Paul uses their son "as a pawn to start fights" and that her behavior, even if directed at Mortensen, threatens the child's safety. Paul's lawyers argued Mortensen "pushes buttons" and that if the former couple stays apart, there is no risk. The court commissioner acknowledged the "mutual allegations" and said there was evidence of "incidental, potentially incidental, child abuse" due to the domestic violence. For the next three weeks, Paul will be allowed up to 8 hours per week of supervised visitation with her son.

  • On March 20, the court granted Mortensen full temporary custody of Ever after issuing a protective order against Paul.
  • On April 7, the court issued a temporary order requiring supervised visitation for Paul until the April 30 full evidentiary hearing.

The players

Taylor Frankie Paul

A Utah-based influencer who starred in the reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives".

Dakota Mortensen

The ex-boyfriend of Taylor Frankie Paul and the father of their 2-year-old son, Ever.

Russell Minas

The Third District Court commissioner who issued the temporary protective order and supervised visitation ruling.

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What they’re saying

“Dakota pushes buttons. He's excellent at that. As long as these folks stay apart — which I think is fully stipulated, they need to stay apart — I don't think there's any risk of them coming together again in the aftermath of this; then there is no risk to the child.”

— Taylor Frankie Paul's attorney

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star should be granted only supervised visitation.”

— Mortensen's attorney and the attorney acting as guardian ad litem

“I do think that there's incidental, potentially incidental, child abuse that has occurred — domestic violence — in the presence of a child. I'm not making any determination today, one way or the other, about whether the respondent (Paul) in this case may also be a victim of an abusive partner as well ... that's part of the allegations that are being made. There's mutual allegations at this point.”

— Commissioner Russell Minas

What’s next

A full evidentiary hearing is scheduled for April 30, during which both parties will present evidence, the court will weigh competing allegations, and likely decide whether to issue longer-term protective orders and custody restrictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence allegations, especially when high-profile public figures are involved. The court must balance the safety of the child with the rights of the parents, while also considering potential mutual abuse claims. The outcome could set important precedents for how Utah courts handle similar cases in the future.