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Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen must stay 100 feet apart for the next three years. A Utah judge issued the shocking mutual protective orders on April 30, citing mutual domestic violence concerns. The reality star faces mounting legal battles affecting her custody, career, and personal life.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Protective Order Duration: 3 years effective as of April 30, 2026
- Distance Requirement: 100 feet separation mandate between both parties
- Supervised Visitation: Taylor expanded to 12 hours weekly with 2-year-old son Ever
- Judge Russell Minas: Warned both parties of criminal charges for violations
Court Issues Mutual Orders Following Domestic Violence Allegations
At Thursday’s hearing in Salt Lake City, Third District Court Commissioner Russell Minas granted mutual protective orders to both Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, and Dakota Mortensen, 33. The orders stem from competing allegations of domestic violence spanning incidents from 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The judge emphasized his concerns about their ongoing conflict, stating both parties must maintain strict distance. Minas warned them they face potential criminal charges if the protective orders are violated. He told the couple they need to work together despite their turbulent relationship.
Taylor Frankie Paul ordered to stay away from ex in Utah, 3-year protective order issued
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Judge Criticizes Dakota for Recording Altercations
Commissioner Minas made pointed observations during the hearing about Dakota’s conduct. The judge described Dakota’s behavior as “calculating” and “manipulative” for recording their physical fights. He rejected Dakota’s claim that he was simply preserving evidence for legal purposes.
By contrast, Minas characterized Taylor’s outbursts as “reactive” rather than methodical. The judge urged both parties to undergo mental health and domestic violence assessments ordered by the Department of Children and Family Services as part of their safety plan.
Custody Expanded but Still Supervised for Taylor
| Detail | Current Status |
| Taylor’s Weekly Visitation | 12 hours (increased from 8) |
| Supervision Requirement | Daytime hours with supervisor |
| Mother’s Day Allowance | 11.5 hours (9am to 8:30pm) |
| Next Court Review | June 1, 2026 |
Taylor’s parenting time with 2-year-old Ever was incrementally expanded this week. The judge required her to exercise visitation in three four-hour blocks to maintain bonding with the young child. Dakota retains majority custody pending completion of DCFS safety plan assessments.
“You two need to stay away from each other and there needs to be orders that will result in consequences if you attempt to engage each other because I still think you have this attraction to each other, physical or otherwise.”
— Commissioner Russell Minas, Third District Court
Reality TV Career Faces Major Setback Amid Legal Crisis
Taylor’s career trajectory has been severely damaged by the protective order drama. ABC scrapped her season of The Bachelorette just three days before the already-filmed season was set to air in March. Though she reportedly receives her full salary, the cancellation marks a public humiliation for the 31-year-old star.
Filming for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 resumed late April, but without Taylor and Dakota’s participation initially. Taylor has the option to return, though her involvement remains uncertain. Dakota will not appear in the season and was edited out of his Vanderpump Villa appearances.
What happens at the June 1st custody hearing?
The judge is awaiting results from mental health and domestic violence assessments ordered by DCFS before making a final determination on Taylor’s long-term custody arrangement. Commissioner Minas stated the assessment results could provide valuable information for crafting a more concrete parenting plan.
Both Taylor and Dakota have declined criminal charges following investigations by the Draper City Attorney and Salt Lake District Attorney. The prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove allegations beyond reasonable doubt, though the protective orders remain firmly in place.
Sources
- The Sun – Exclusive report on custody time expansion and June 1st hearing details
- Los Angeles Times – Coverage of April 30 protective order hearing with judge’s statements
- Global News – Reporting on mutual protective order duration and distance requirements
