ABC canceled Season 22 of The Bachelorette on March 17, 2026, just three days before its premiere, after TMZ published a 2023 video showing star Taylor Frankie Paul physically attacking ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. A Salt Lake County court has since granted Mortensen temporary sole custody of their 2-year-old son, with a hearing set for April 7, 2026, raising critical questions about how Utah courts handle custody when domestic violence allegations surface.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| What happened | ABC canceled The Bachelorette Season 22 after a domestic violence video surfaced showing star Taylor Frankie Paul attacking ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen |
| When | Cancellation announced March 17, 2026, three days before the March 20 premiere |
| Where | Salt Lake County, Utah |
| Who is affected | Paul, Mortensen, and their 2-year-old son; future custody and protective order proceedings |
| Prior criminal history | Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in abeyance in August 2025 |
| Next court date | April 7, 2026, for custody and protective order hearing |
Utah Courts Treat Domestic Violence as a Game-Changer in Custody Cases
Domestic violence fundamentally shifts how Utah courts decide custody. Under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-32, courts must consider evidence of domestic violence as a factor that can override the general presumption of joint custody. When a court finds credible evidence that a parent has committed domestic violence, that finding alone can justify awarding sole custody to the other parent.
Utah law goes further than many states. Under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-10.2, courts evaluating custody must assess the best interests of the child using a multi-factor analysis, but domestic violence evidence carries outsized weight. A parent with a documented history of violence faces an uphill battle to retain equal parenting time.
The timeline here matters. Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in abeyance in August 2025, meaning the conviction could be dismissed if she completes court-ordered conditions. Under Utah Code Ann. 77-2a-3, a plea in abeyance is still an admission of guilt, and Utah family courts can consider that admission when making custody determinations, even if the criminal case is eventually dismissed.
How Protective Orders Work in Utah Custody Disputes
Mortensen filed for both a protective order and sole custody in Salt Lake County. Under Utah Code Ann. 78B-7-106, a court can issue an ex parte temporary protective order the same day it is requested if the petitioner demonstrates an immediate danger of domestic violence. These orders typically last 20 days until a full hearing.
A protective order in Utah can include temporary custody provisions. Under Utah Code Ann. 78B-7-106(2), the court can award temporary custody of minor children to the petitioner, order the respondent to stay away from the children, and establish limited supervised visitation. The Salt Lake County court granted Mortensen temporary sole custody through this mechanism, with the April 7, 2026, hearing set to determine whether that arrangement becomes permanent.
Utah protective orders carry real consequences. Violating one is a class A misdemeanor under Utah Code Ann. 76-5-108, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. For someone already on a plea in abeyance for aggravated assault, a protective order violation could trigger revocation of that agreement and reinstatement of the original criminal charge.
What the Abeyance Plea Means for the Custody Fight
Paul's August 2025 aggravated assault plea in abeyance creates a compounding legal problem. Aggravated assault under Utah Code Ann. 76-5-103 is a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in prison. A plea in abeyance under Utah Code Ann. 77-2a-1 suspends that sentence while the defendant completes conditions, often including anger management, no-contact provisions, and no new criminal charges.
The newly surfaced video, while depicting a 2023 incident, could affect Paul's abeyance conditions in two ways. First, prosecutors could argue the video demonstrates a pattern of violence that warrants revoking the abeyance agreement. Second, the family court can independently consider the video evidence when evaluating the best interests of the child, regardless of how the criminal case resolves.
Utah courts have broad discretion to admit evidence of prior violent behavior in custody proceedings. Under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-10.2(2), the court considers each parent's past conduct and moral standards, which includes any documented history of physical violence toward a partner.
Practical Takeaways for Utah Parents
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Document everything. Utah courts rely heavily on evidence when evaluating domestic violence claims. Video evidence, medical records, police reports, and witness statements all carry significant weight under Utah Code Ann. 78B-7-102. If you are experiencing domestic violence, keep a detailed record in a safe location.
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File for a protective order immediately if you are in danger. Utah courts can issue same-day ex parte orders under Utah Code Ann. 78B-7-106. You do not need a lawyer to file, and Salt Lake County and other Utah courts have self-help centers that assist petitioners.
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Understand that a plea in abeyance is not a clean slate. Utah family courts can and do consider abeyance pleas when making custody decisions. Even if the criminal charge is eventually dismissed, the underlying admission of guilt remains part of the record that a family court judge can review.
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Know that temporary custody orders set the tone. The parent who has custody during the temporary order period often has an advantage at the permanent hearing. Utah courts value stability for children, and a well-functioning temporary arrangement can become the baseline for a final order.
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Get a family law attorney before the hearing date. The April 7 hearing in this case is typical. Utah courts move quickly on protective order and custody matters, often scheduling full hearings within 20 to 30 days of the initial filing. Showing up prepared with legal counsel significantly improves outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic violence arrest affect custody in Utah?
Yes, domestic violence directly impacts custody decisions. Under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-32, Utah courts must consider evidence of domestic violence when determining custody. A single documented incident can shift the presumption away from joint custody, and an arrest combined with additional evidence like video footage strengthens the case for sole custody.
What is a plea in abeyance in Utah?
A plea in abeyance under Utah Code Ann. 77-2a-1 allows a defendant to plead guilty while the court holds the plea for a set period, typically 12 to 36 months. If the defendant completes all conditions, the charge is dismissed. If conditions are violated, the court enters the guilty plea and proceeds to sentencing on the original charge.
How quickly can a Utah court grant temporary custody?
Utah courts can grant temporary custody within 24 hours when filed alongside a protective order petition. Under Utah Code Ann. 78B-7-106, ex parte protective orders with custody provisions can be issued the same day the petition is filed if the court finds immediate danger exists. A full hearing is then scheduled within 20 days.
Does ABC's decision to cancel The Bachelorette have any legal effect on the custody case?
No, the network's cancellation decision has no direct legal effect on the custody proceeding. Utah family courts evaluate custody based on statutory best-interest factors under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-10.2, not on media or employment consequences. However, the public attention may affect settlement negotiations between the parties.
What happens at the April 7 hearing?
The April 7, 2026, hearing will determine whether the temporary sole custody order becomes a longer-term arrangement. The court will hear evidence from both parents, review any domestic violence documentation, and apply the best-interest factors under Utah Code Ann. 30-3-10.2. The judge may also make the protective order permanent, lasting up to 3 years under Utah law.
If you are navigating a custody dispute involving domestic violence in Utah, find an exclusive divorce.law attorney in your county who can provide guidance specific to your situation.
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.