Utah Judge Issues Mutual Protective Orders for Taylor Paul and Dakota Mortensen

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, a Utah judge issued mutual protective orders for Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, requiring them to stay apart for three years.
By Newsroom | Legal, Utah |

SALT LAKE COUNTY, UTAH - A Utah judge has issued mutual protective orders for Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, following a custody hearing for their 2-year-old son, Ever. The ruling, made on Thursday, April 30, 2026, mandates that both individuals "stay away from each other" and warned of consequences for any attempts to engage. The decision stems from competing allegations of domestic violence and a history of volatile interactions between the pair.

Judge says Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen showed 'violence both ways' in custody hearing - 1

The court proceedings, which involved dueling accounts of alleged assaults and injuries, led the judge to conclude that there was "violence both ways." While prosecutors declined to pursue charges against Paul in connection with a February incident, citing insufficient evidence, both parties had previously been subject to domestic violence investigations by local law enforcement.

Judge says Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen showed 'violence both ways' in custody hearing - 2

Judge Notes "Obsession" and Contrasting Behaviors

Judge Minas observed that Paul and Mortensen appear to maintain an ongoing "obsession" with each other, a dynamic that complicates their interactions. The judge characterized Paul's conduct as "reactive" and Mortensen's actions as "more deliberative," suggesting an element of manipulation in Mortensen's behavior. The mutual protective orders are intended to create a necessary distance between them.

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Judge says Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen showed 'violence both ways' in custody hearing - 3

Custody Arrangement Remains Unresolved

While protective orders were granted, the judge delayed a final decision on a custody arrangement for Ever. The court acknowledged the ongoing domestic violence cases involving both parties earlier this year. The mutual protective orders are slated to remain in effect for three years. The judge also indicated a desire to work with both Paul and Mortensen toward restoring a "sense of normalcy" and recommended mediation.

Judge says Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen showed 'violence both ways' in custody hearing - 4

The ruling comes after a period of escalating conflict and legal maneuvering. Mortensen initially filed for a protective order against Paul amid the ongoing police investigation. Paul's attorney had also alleged that Mortensen "wants to literally destroy her" and defended inquiries into a video leak, claiming it contradicted Mortensen's portrayal of himself. Paul's legal team expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the hearing. The court's decision to reject a request to seal the hearing indicated transparency in the proceedings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did a Utah judge issue mutual protective orders for Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen on April 30, 2026?
The judge issued the orders after a custody hearing for their son, citing 'violence both ways' and a history of volatile interactions between the ex-partners.
Q: What do the mutual protective orders mean for Taylor Paul and Dakota Mortensen?
Both individuals must 'stay away from each other' for three years, and they were warned of consequences if they try to contact one another.
Q: Was a custody decision made for their son Ever?
No, the judge delayed a final decision on custody for their 2-year-old son, Ever, and recommended mediation.
Q: What was the judge's view on their behavior?
The judge noted an 'obsession' between them, describing Paul's behavior as 'reactive' and Mortensen's as 'more deliberative,' suggesting manipulation.
Q: Were there previous domestic violence investigations?
Yes, both parties had been subject to domestic violence investigations earlier in 2026, though prosecutors did not pursue charges against Paul due to insufficient evidence.
Q: Will the protective orders be permanent?
The mutual protective orders are set to remain in effect for three years from April 30, 2026.