Utah Child Welfare Agency Seeks Court Oversight for Taylor Frankie Paul’s Children Amid Ongoing Custody Dispute

Utah's Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has asked a juvenile court to rule that reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul’s three children are abused, neglected, or dependent. The agency is also seeking court supervision and a guardian to represent the children’s interests.

Taylor’s attorney said she is taking the case seriously, remains committed to improving her health and parenting, and will continue working toward normal custody arrangements.

Attorneys for Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, and ex-husband, Tate Paul, disputed that characterization. They said the DCFS petition is a serious child welfare matter and that their priority is protecting the children. They also criticized the public release of information from the private juvenile court case.

A source connected to Taylor argued that the leaked information presents only part of the story and said DCFS has also documented concerns about the other side that the court will consider.

The petition alleges Taylor struggled to accept responsibility following a domestic violence incident, focused more on how the situation affected her than the children, and did not fully engage in treatment.

The case follows months of legal disputes between Taylor and Mortensen, including domestic violence investigations, competing protective orders, and custody hearings. Taylor has accused Mortensen of abuse and stalking, while Mortensen has submitted evidence alleging he was injured during their conflicts.

At a July 8 custody hearing, a judge expanded Taylor’s parenting time to include alternating weekends through Monday morning and one midweek visit without an overnight stay.