Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul Loses Custody of Son Amid Restraining Order Filing

The Bachelorette Season 22 lead Taylor Frankie Paul has reportedly lost temporary custody of her young son, Ever, following a dramatic court filing by his father, Dakota Mortensen.

On March 17, 2026, Mortensen filed for a temporary restraining order against Paul in Utah, citing alleged incidents of physical abuse during altercations on February 23 and 24, 2026.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ and other outlets, Mortensen claimed Paul choked him, shoved him into a window, and exhibited “emotionally volatile” behavior, including threats of self-harm. Fearing for Ever’s safety—then left in the home amid the chaos—Mortensen took the toddler and requested temporary sole custody.

He also asked the court to prohibit Paul from drinking or using drugs during any future parenting time.

A hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Sources indicate Mortensen’s actions stem from an ongoing domestic assault investigation confirmed by the Draper Police Department, with an open Utah Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) probe into allegations of child abuse. Both Paul and Mortensen have been ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluations.

This development escalates prior custody tensions. As previously reported in related coverage, Paul and Mortensen share custody of 2-year-old Ever (born March 2024) through third-party handoffs, with no direct communication between the exes.

Multiple sources, including those close to Paul, previously stated she maintained majority custody despite Mortensen’s repeated DCFS complaints accusing her of abuse—claims her side described as exaggerated or over minor issues.

The custody battle ties into broader controversies surrounding Paul. In March 2026, TMZ published 2023 video footage of Paul throwing chairs at Mortensen during a fight, inadvertently striking her then-5-year-old daughter (from ex-husband Tate Paul) with a ricocheting barstool.

Paul admitted to being the aggressor while “blacked out” from alcohol influence, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault (with child-related charges dropped), and completed requirements to regain partial custody of her two older children from Tate.

DCFS did not remove those children, citing no immediate danger and the accidental nature of the injury.

The 2023 incident led ABC to cancel Paul’s Bachelorette season days before its premiere, with several suitors eyed for Bachelor in Paradise. Mortensen’s rep emphasized his priority is protecting Ever, denying he proactively leaked details ahead of the show’s launch.

Paul has not publicly commented on the latest filing, but her team has previously highlighted her experiences with “aggressive, jealous ex-partners” and efforts to seek support. The situation underscores ongoing scrutiny of her personal life amid reality TV fame from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Past seasons of The Bachelorette stream on Hulu and Disney+.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Children Not Removed from Custody After 2023 Barstool Incident