The ongoing Taylor Frankie Paul Dakota Mortensen custody dispute has intensified following a court ruling that temporarily granted Mortensen custody of their young son, Ever. The decision comes amid escalating legal tensions and an active domestic investigation involving both parties.
According to court records, Mortensen sought a protective order, which led to him being awarded temporary custody. Under the current order, Paul is not permitted parent time until a scheduled hearing on April 7, when a judge will hear evidence and testimony before determining longer-term arrangements.
Until that hearing, the provisional ruling remains in effect, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations being reviewed by the court.
Local authorities have confirmed an active investigation stemming from a reported domestic altercation. Officials noted that both individuals have made allegations against one another and that investigators contacted those involved in late February.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Frankie Paul repeatedly attacked Dakota Mortensen during the 2023 incident in which she pled guilty to aggravated assault; video shows that one of her children was struck during the fight.
Trigger Warning. https://t.co/77CKYpLxvn pic.twitter.com/avr49EacY3
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2026The overlapping legal processes, civil custody proceedings, and a parallel police investigation have added significant complexity to an already sensitive family matter.
Taylor Frankie’s Footage and Public Response
Recent public attention intensified after footage from a 2023 incident resurfaced online. Representatives for Paul have argued that the video lacks full context, describing it as selectively presented and part of a broader effort to shape public perception. They emphasised that Paul remains focused on her children’s safety and stability as she navigates both legal proceedings and personal challenges.
Mortensen has denied the allegations against him, stating that his primary concern is his son’s well-being. He characterised the claims as unfounded and maintained that he is focused on ensuring a safe environment for the child during the ongoing dispute. His petition for a protective order followed the renewed attention generated by the resurfaced video.
Read: ABC Cancelled The Bachelorette Over Domestic Violence Video
The dispute has also carried professional consequences. Paul’s upcoming season of “The Bachelorette” was cancelled amid the unfolding situation. Public statements from her camp expressed appreciation for institutional support while noting a desire to shift focus to family priorities.
All eyes now turn to the April 7 court hearing, where both sides will present their cases. Until then, the temporary custody arrangement remains in place, and the parallel investigation continues.
