Updates on Custody and Visitation Schedules
Reality television personalities Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen recently appeared in a Utah courtroom to address their ongoing custody dispute involving their 2-year-old son, Ever. During the hearing held on July 8, the presiding judge granted adjustments to the visitation schedule, allowing 32-year-old Paul increased unsupervised time with the toddler. Specifically, the court ruled to extend weekend visits, allowing the child to stay through Monday morning rather than returning on Sunday evening. A similar extension was granted to 33-year-old Mortensen for his own designated weekend time.
Court-Ordered Safety and Conduct Mandates
The judge emphasized the necessity of child safety and mature conduct between the former couple. Following a dispute regarding a photograph of the toddler on a motorcycle, the court explicitly prohibited transporting Ever via motorcycle. Furthermore, the judge issued a firm directive regarding interpersonal communication:
«I want to draw the line when it comes to negative comments about each other. Eventually, it could come back to the child and we want to shield him from that.»
Regarding the transfer of the child, the court reinforced the use of third-party intermediaries to avoid direct contact between the parents, stating, «I just don’t want them to be alone at the exchanges. I want them to stay away from each other.» Additionally, a protective order regarding the discovery process was implemented to ensure the secure handling of sensitive legal documentation.
Addressing Continued Legal Conflict
The court expressed concern that the ongoing public nature of the couple's disputes might be fueled by a desire for media attention, which the judge noted could prove detrimental to their child’s well-being in the future. This legal battle follows a March police investigation into alleged domestic violence incidents, for which neither party faced criminal charges. Since that time, the court has incrementally moved from strictly supervised visitation toward more flexible, unsupervised arrangements.
Previously, in a June virtual hearing, the court had already lifted the requirement for supervision during Paul’s visits. Despite the progress in scheduling, the judge continued to stress the importance of prioritizing the child's needs over personal grievances. Both parties are currently required to maintain distance and continue therapy as they navigate their co-parenting relationship.