Paul, Mortensen argue protective orders in Utah court Thursday

Attorneys for reality television star Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen, the father of her 2-year-old son, are scheduled to argue dueling petitions for long-term protective orders against each other Thursday afternoon in Utah's Third District Court in Salt Lake City. The outcome could significantly influence custody arrangements for their son, Ever.

Both Paul, known for her role on Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and Mortensen have sought to extend short-term protective orders amid mutual accusations of domestic violence. Court Commissioner Russell Minas expressed concerns about allegations from both sides during an April 7 hearing. Currently, Paul is prohibited from unsupervised contact with her son due to a history of volatile behavior toward Mortensen in the presence of children. The pair have been ordered to remain at least 100 feet apart until the hearing, with both required to appear in person.

The case stems from at least 11 documented altercations between the former couple, whose tumultuous relationship featured prominently on the reality series. A leaked 2023 video showed Paul punching, kicking and throwing chairs at Mortensen while her daughter...