Taylor Frankie Paul’s Custody Drama Continues: DCFS Asks for Oversight
Just when we thought Taylor Frankie Paul had resolved all of her domestic drama, a new custody development is taking the situation in a much more serious direction. Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services filed a petition this week asking a juvenile court to take jurisdiction over the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star’s three children and to set the matter for an expedited hearing. It appears the child welfare agency is looking to make some moves in the children’s lives.
DCFS wants a judge to step in for Taylor Frankie Paul’s Kids
Taylor Frankie Paul’s newest legal battle will be over the custody of her three children, including the two kids she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul, and the toddler she welcomed with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the agency filed a petition asking a judge to find that Paul’s children meet Utah’s legal definition of “abused, neglected or dependent,” and to order protective supervision services as a result.
The filing asks that the court appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the children’s interests directly, along with any additional restrictions a judge deems necessary for their well-being. The petition, submitted by the Utah Attorney General’s Office on behalf of DCFS, asks a judge to expedite the request.
This is not Taylor Frankie Paul’s first run-in with the agency. She and Mortensen have spent much of the year entangled in a custody battle that includes repeated accusations of domestic violence. They have dueling protective orders and are each arguing over their shared son. Tate Paul got involved in recent weeks when he filed for an emergency hearing, hoping to take full custody of his two children. The request was denied.
Her reality TV return
While all of Taylor Frankie Paul’s legal drama and custody battles have put a few speed bumps on her road to stardom, it hasn’t derailed her television career completely. She’s expected back for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and ABC has been mulling over finally releasing her shelved season of The Bachelorette.
At least, that appeared to be the plan until her most recent round of legal sparring with her exes and, now, a state agency. Whether the new DCFS petition further complicates those plans remains to be seen.
This is a developing story.
