Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen appeared in court on July 8, 2026, for a custody review hearing regarding their son, Ever. The proceedings addressed ongoing disputes over protective orders and allegations of unauthorized contact, according to reporting from TMZ. Simultaneously, Paul faces separate custody litigation involving her ex-husband, Tate Paul, which has resulted in court-ordered drug and alcohol testing.
Why Are Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen Back in Court?
The July 8 hearing serves as a review of existing custody terms for the former couple, who both appeared on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The legal tension stems from accusations filed by Mortensen, who alleges that Paul violated a restraining order multiple times. According to sources cited by TMZ, one specific allegation involves Paul allegedly using a third party to coordinate a visit with their son, Ever, in defiance of the court’s protective measures.
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How Do the Restraining Order Allegations Impact Custody?
Mortensen has publicly raised concerns regarding Paul’s adherence to the protective order. Beyond the alleged third-party contact, Mortensen claims Paul circumvented the spirit of the legal restrictions last month. TMZ reported that Mortensen believes an Instagram story posted by Paul—in which she claimed police were called on her by an obsessed individual—constituted a breach of the order’s limits.
Court-ordered drug and alcohol testing is a common mechanism in high-conflict custody cases. In this instance, if Paul tests positive for unprescribed substances or alcohol, the court has mandated that her future parenting time with her children must be supervised.
What Is the Status of the Custody Battle with Tate Paul?
The current legal scrutiny is not limited to the conflict with Mortensen. Paul is simultaneously litigating a separate custody matter with her ex-husband, Tate Paul. According to court records referenced by TMZ, the mother of three is currently undergoing drug and alcohol testing as part of these proceedings. The outcome of these tests remains a significant factor in determining whether her custodial rights will require ongoing supervision.
How Is the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Drama Affecting Legal Proceedings?
The court hearing also touched upon personal communication between the parties. During the proceedings, Mortensen introduced claims regarding “sneaky” text messages between Paul and her sister, Aspen. Paul reportedly disputed the significance of these exchanges during the hearing, characterizing the messages as “boring.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Taylor Frankie Paul undergoing drug testing? The testing was ordered by the court as part of her ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband, Tate Paul.
- What happens if the drug tests are positive? According to the court’s directives, any positive test for unprescribed substances or alcohol will result in Paul’s parenting time being supervised.
- What is the primary conflict between Paul and Mortensen? The two are currently in a review hearing regarding custody terms for their son, Ever, following allegations that Paul violated a restraining order.
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