ABC has pulled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette after video surfaced showing Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul physically attacking ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. A Utah court responded swiftly, granting Mortensen temporary sole custody of their 2-year-old son, imposing a 100-foot restraining order, and awarding zero parent-time to Paul until an April 7, 2026 hearing. Both of Paul's exes filed protective orders against her on the same day.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | ABC pulled The Bachelorette season starring Taylor Frankie Paul after TMZ released domestic violence video |
| When | March 2026; next court hearing April 7, 2026 |
| Where | Utah state court |
| Who is affected | Taylor Frankie Paul, ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, ex-husband Tate Paul, minor children |
| Key statutes | Utah Code § 78B-7-103 (protective orders); Utah Code § 30-3-10 (custody factors) |
| Immediate impact | Paul stripped of custody and parent-time; 100-foot no-contact order in effect |
Utah Courts Treat Documented Domestic Violence as a Game-Changer in Custody
Video evidence of domestic violence fundamentally shifts how Utah courts analyze custody. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10(2), courts must consider the past conduct and demonstrated moral standards of each parent when determining custody. When one parent has documented violence against the other, Utah law creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to the perpetrator is not in the child's best interest.
That is not a minor procedural detail. It means the burden flips. Instead of the other parent proving why they should have custody, the parent with the domestic violence record must prove why they should. In Paul's case, the court did not wait for a full evidentiary hearing to act. The judge granted Mortensen temporary sole custody and eliminated Paul's parent-time entirely, a significant step that Utah courts reserve for situations involving credible safety concerns.
The 100-foot restraining order adds another layer. Under Utah Code § 78B-7-103, a court may issue a protective order when there is reason to believe a cohabitant or household member has been subjected to abuse. The statute defines abuse to include any act of violence, physical harm, or threat of harm. Video evidence of an attack satisfies that standard with little room for ambiguity.
How Utah Protective Orders Work When Both Exes File
One of the more unusual aspects of this case is that both Dakota Mortensen and Tate Paul filed protective orders against Taylor Frankie Paul at the same courthouse on the same day. Utah law allows any person who believes they are a victim of abuse, stalking, or harassment to petition for a protective order under Utah Code § 78B-7-103 or a civil stalking injunction under Utah Code § 78B-7-701.
Each petition is evaluated independently. A court can issue multiple protective orders against the same respondent if each petitioner demonstrates the required grounds. The fact that two separate individuals sought protection on the same day will likely be noted by the court at the April 7 hearing, because it speaks to a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident.
Under Utah law, violating a protective order is a class A misdemeanor under Utah Code § 76-5-108, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second violation within 5 years can be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
What Zero Parent-Time Means Under Utah Law
Utah courts default to generous parent-time schedules. The statutory minimum under Utah Code § 30-3-35 provides the noncustodial parent with alternating weekends, one weekday evening, half of holidays, and extended summer time. Courts deviate from this schedule only when specific safety findings justify it.
Awarding zero parent-time is the most extreme restriction available. It signals that the court found sufficient evidence to conclude that any contact between Paul and the child could pose a risk. At the April 7 hearing, Paul's legal team will have the opportunity to request supervised visitation or a graduated reintroduction of parent-time, but they will need to overcome the domestic violence presumption established in the temporary order.
Utah courts have broad discretion to impose conditions on parent-time, including requiring completion of a domestic violence treatment program, anger management courses, or substance abuse evaluation before reinstating any contact. Under Utah Code § 30-3-34(2), the court considers the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of the child above all other factors.
The Television Industry Fallout
ABC's decision to pull The Bachelorette represents a significant financial and reputational consequence. According to Variety, the network had already invested in pre-production for the season before the TMZ video surfaced. Networks typically spend between $2 million and $5 million per episode on reality competition shows, meaning ABC potentially walked away from a $20 million to $50 million production commitment.
For the legal proceedings, the television angle matters less than people might think. Utah courts do not factor celebrity status into custody or protective order decisions. The court's analysis centers entirely on the statutory best-interest factors, the evidence of domestic violence, and the safety of the children involved.
Practical Takeaways for Utah Residents
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Video evidence carries enormous weight in Utah protective order and custody proceedings. If you are experiencing domestic violence, Utah law allows you to document incidents for use in court. Store evidence securely and share it with your attorney before your hearing.
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Utah protective orders can be obtained quickly. Under Utah Code § 78B-7-106, a court may issue an ex parte (emergency) protective order on the same day you file the petition if the court finds an immediate and present danger of abuse exists.
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Domestic violence findings create a legal presumption against custody for the perpetrator under Utah Code § 30-3-10. This presumption applies even in temporary custody orders and can shape the entire trajectory of a case.
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Multiple protective orders from different petitioners strengthen each individual petition. Courts recognize patterns. If you are aware that another person has also experienced abuse from the same individual, that context may be relevant to your case.
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Parent-time restrictions are not permanent. Utah courts regularly revisit temporary orders at subsequent hearings. Demonstrating completion of court-ordered programs, stable housing, and behavioral change can lead to gradual restoration of parent-time over months or years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Utah court really take away all parent-time based on one incident?
Yes. Utah courts can eliminate parent-time entirely when evidence of domestic violence establishes a safety risk to the child. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10, a single documented incident of violence is sufficient to trigger the rebuttable presumption against custody. The April 7, 2026 hearing will determine whether restrictions continue.
How long does a Utah protective order last?
A Utah protective order issued under Utah Code § 78B-7-106 is initially temporary, typically lasting 20 days until a full hearing. After the hearing, a court can issue a protective order lasting up to 3 years, with the option to extend. Permanent protective orders are available in cases involving serious bodily injury.
What happens if someone violates a Utah restraining order?
Violating a protective order in Utah is a class A misdemeanor under Utah Code § 76-5-108, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A second violation within 5 years escalates to a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in prison. Law enforcement can arrest the violator without a warrant.
Does domestic violence automatically disqualify a parent from custody in Utah?
Domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption against custody, not an automatic disqualification. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10, the parent with the domestic violence finding can overcome the presumption by presenting clear and convincing evidence that custody would serve the child's best interest, though courts rarely reverse this finding without significant rehabilitation.
Can both parents lose custody if there is mutual domestic violence?
Yes. Utah courts evaluate each parent independently under Utah Code § 30-3-10. If both parents have documented domestic violence, the court may award custody to a third party or appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests. In this case, only Paul faces allegations from multiple parties.
If you are navigating a custody dispute involving domestic violence in Utah, connecting with a local family law attorney is the most important step you can take. Find an exclusive divorce attorney in your Utah county through our directory.
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.