Progress in Custody Proceedings
A judge has issued a new ruling concerning the ongoing custody battle between Taylor Frankie Paul and her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, regarding their two-year-old son, Ever. During a virtual hearing held on Monday, June 1, the court expressed cautious optimism regarding the current direction of the case.
«I’m encouraged and I think we’re moving in the right direction,» the judge stated to the parents, 32-year-old Paul and 33-year-old Mortensen. A significant update from the ruling is the recommendation that supervised visitation be lifted leading up to the next court date.
Additionally, the court established a more consistent visitation schedule, granting Paul time with her son on alternating weekends, along with one non-overnight weekday visit. The judge emphasized the necessity of maintaining this set schedule to provide stability for the child.
Court Mandates and Previous Context
Ahead of the next scheduled hearing on July 8, both parties have been instructed to continue therapy, refrain from making disparaging remarks about one another, and maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from each other.
The legal conflict began following a March investigation by Salt Lake City police into an alleged domestic violence incident. Following these events, Mortensen sought custody, citing an altercation in February where he alleged that the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star had been physically aggressive. Paul has consistently and strongly denied all allegations of child abuse or misconduct toward her children.
«It’s been hard, and it sucks to be in this position,» Paul previously stated. «I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well. I have always treated my children with respect and I’ve never touched them.»
Impact on Professional Projects
The ongoing legal drama has also impacted the reality television careers of both individuals. Production for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was paused in March following the domestic disputes. While criminal charges were not filed against either party, the controversy resulted in the cancellation of Paul's scheduled season of The Bachelorette.
Regarding their potential return to television, producers have indicated that while the situation remains complex, they have not fully ruled out the possibility of the pair appearing on screen again in the future, potentially under arrangements that accommodate their court-ordered separation.