ABC pulled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette on March 19, 2026, just three days before its scheduled premiere, after TMZ published a 2023 video showing Paul allegedly attacking ex-partner Dakota Mortensen in front of her young daughter. Mortensen has since filed for a protective order and sole custody of their son in Utah, triggering what could become one of the most closely watched family law proceedings in the state this year.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | ABC canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette season after a domestic violence video from 2023 surfaced |
| When | Video published by TMZ; show pulled March 19, 2026, three days before March 22 premiere |
| Where | Utah (custody proceedings); Los Angeles (network decision) |
| Who is affected | Paul, ex-partner Dakota Mortensen, their son Ever, and Paul's daughter from a prior relationship |
| Key statute | Utah Code § 30-3-10.2 (custody presumption against perpetrators of domestic violence) |
| Practical impact | Utah courts apply a rebuttable presumption against sole or joint custody for a parent who has committed domestic violence |
Utah Law Creates a Presumption Against Custody for DV Perpetrators
Utah is not a state where domestic violence allegations are treated as just one factor among many. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10.2, there is a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of a child to be placed in sole or joint custody with a parent who has committed domestic violence. That presumption kicks in when a court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that domestic violence occurred. A 2023 video showing an alleged physical attack, particularly one in the presence of a child, is exactly the type of evidence Utah judges weigh heavily.
This is a meaningful legal standard. It shifts the burden: instead of the petitioning parent needing to prove why the other parent should not have custody, the accused parent must affirmatively demonstrate that custody with them serves the child's best interest despite the violence finding. According to the Utah Courts website, protective orders can be granted on an ex parte basis within 24 hours when there is an immediate threat, and full hearings are typically scheduled within 21 days.
How Protective Orders Work in Utah Custody Cases
Mortensen reportedly filed both a protective order petition and a sole custody petition on March 17, 2026. Under Utah Code § 78B-7-106, a court can issue a temporary protective order without the other party present if there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger. These temporary orders typically last 21 days until a full evidentiary hearing.
In Utah, a protective order can include provisions that go well beyond a simple no-contact requirement. Under Utah Code § 78B-7-106(2), the court may award temporary custody of minor children, establish temporary parent-time restrictions, order the respondent to stay away from the child's school or daycare, and prohibit the respondent from purchasing firearms. For families in active conflict, courts frequently order that custody exchanges happen through a third-party intermediary or at a supervised location, which reports indicate is already the arrangement Paul and Mortensen are using.
The connection between the protective order proceeding and the custody case matters. Utah courts routinely consider protective order findings when making permanent custody determinations. A sustained protective order is not a custody ruling by itself, but it creates a factual record that carries significant weight in a subsequent custody trial.
The DCFS Investigation Adds Another Layer
Utah's Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is reportedly conducting an active investigation. Under Utah Code § 80-2-602, DCFS has authority to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and must complete its investigation within 60 days. A DCFS finding of substantiated abuse or neglect becomes part of the state's records and can be introduced in custody proceedings.
DCFS involvement can influence custody outcomes in several ways. If the investigation results in a substantiated finding, it strengthens the domestic violence presumption under Utah Code § 30-3-10.2. If DCFS implements a safety plan requiring supervised contact, courts often incorporate those recommendations into temporary custody orders. In approximately 15% of Utah DCFS investigations involving domestic violence, the agency recommends restrictions on parent-time, according to data from Utah's Office of the Guardian ad Litem.
For the parent on the receiving end of a DCFS investigation, cooperation matters enormously. Utah courts look unfavorably on parents who obstruct investigations, and non-cooperation can itself become a factor in the custody analysis under the best-interest standard outlined in Utah Code § 30-3-10.
Practical Takeaways for Utah Residents
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Document everything. If you are experiencing domestic violence, Utah law enforcement and courts rely on contemporaneous evidence. Text messages, photos of injuries, medical records, and video footage all carry weight under Utah's evidence rules. The 2023 video in this case demonstrates how powerful recorded evidence can be, even years later.
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File the protective order first. Under Utah Code § 78B-7-103, any cohabitant or person in a relationship involving a child can petition for a protective order. Filing before or simultaneously with a custody petition, as Mortensen reportedly did, establishes the safety framework that guides the rest of the case.
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Understand the custody presumption. If a Utah court finds domestic violence occurred, the burden shifts to the offending parent under Utah Code § 30-3-10.2. Overcoming this presumption typically requires completing a domestic violence treatment program, demonstrating sustained behavioral change, and showing that the child's best interests are served by continued contact.
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Cooperate fully with DCFS. Utah's 60-day investigation timeline means results come relatively quickly. Parents who engage constructively with investigators position themselves better in subsequent court proceedings.
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Use intermediaries for exchanges. When a protective order is in place, Utah courts prefer structured custody exchanges through third parties or supervised visitation centers. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition lists over 20 supervised visitation providers statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic violence video from 2023 affect a Utah custody case filed in 2026?
Yes. Utah has no statute of limitations on the admissibility of domestic violence evidence in custody proceedings. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10.2, courts consider all evidence of domestic violence regardless of when it occurred. A video showing violence in the presence of a child is particularly persuasive because it demonstrates risk to the child directly.
How quickly can a Utah court grant a protective order?
Utah courts can issue a temporary ex parte protective order within 24 hours under Utah Code § 78B-7-106. The respondent then has 21 days to request a hearing to contest the order. If no hearing is requested or the court sustains the order after a hearing, it remains in effect for up to 3 years and can be renewed.
What does sole custody mean in Utah?
Sole legal custody in Utah means one parent has exclusive authority to make major decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing under Utah Code § 30-3-10.1. The non-custodial parent typically retains parent-time rights unless the court restricts or supervises visitation. Sole physical custody means the child resides primarily with one parent more than 255 overnights per year.
Does a DCFS investigation automatically change custody in Utah?
No, but it creates evidence that significantly influences custody decisions. A DCFS substantiated finding of abuse triggers the rebuttable presumption against custody under Utah Code § 30-3-10.2. DCFS investigations must be completed within 60 days under Utah Code § 80-2-602, and findings become part of the court record.
Can Utah courts restrict social media use in custody cases?
Yes. Utah judges have broad discretion under Utah Code § 30-3-10 to issue orders protecting children's welfare, including restricting parents from posting about children on social media or discussing the case publicly. In high-profile cases, courts sometimes issue specific protective orders limiting public commentary that could harm the child.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.