Jordan Ngatikaura Files for Divorce and Restraining Order Against Mormon Wives Star Jessi Draper in Utah
Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper on March 19, 2026, in Utah, ending their five-year marriage. One day later, he filed a temporary restraining order — reportedly aimed at preventing Draper from discussing their split on the Call Her Daddy podcast. The filing raises significant questions about how Utah courts handle speech restrictions, parenting time, and protective orders in high-profile divorces.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce and a temporary restraining order against Jessi Draper |
| When | Divorce filed March 19, 2026; restraining order filed March 20, 2026 |
| Where | Utah (likely Salt Lake County or Utah County) |
| Who is affected | Jessi Draper, Jordan Ngatikaura, and their two children Jagger (5) and Jovi (2) |
| Key statute | Utah Code § 30-3-1 (divorce grounds); Utah Code § 78B-7-103 (protective orders) |
| Practical impact | Utah courts can restrict public commentary during divorce proceedings, but free speech protections set a high bar |
Utah Restraining Orders in Divorce Cases Serve a Different Purpose Than Most People Think
The restraining order Jordan filed is not the kind most people picture. Utah law distinguishes between protective orders under Utah Code § 78B-7-103 — which address domestic violence or abuse — and temporary restraining orders issued as part of divorce proceedings under Utah Code § 30-3-3. The latter can address property dissipation, contact with children, and conduct that could harm the interests of either party or the children during the pendency of the case.
According to TMZ's reporting, Jordan's filing appears aimed at preventing Jessi from making public statements about their marriage and divorce on podcasts and social media. Utah courts do have authority to issue mutual restraining orders at the outset of a divorce case. Under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 65A, a court can grant a temporary restraining order without notice to the opposing party if the movant demonstrates immediate and irreparable injury. However, that order must be followed by a hearing — typically within 14 days — where the restrained party can oppose it.
Jessi reportedly opposed the restraining order immediately, which is her right. Utah courts must balance the movant's claimed harm against the respondent's constitutional rights, including free speech under both the First Amendment and Article I, Section 15 of the Utah Constitution. Courts are generally reluctant to impose prior restraints on speech. The burden falls on Jordan to demonstrate specific, concrete harm — not just embarrassment or discomfort — that would result from Jessi's public statements.
How Utah Handles Divorce After Five Years of Marriage With Minor Children
Utah is a no-fault divorce state. Under Utah Code § 30-3-1(3)(h), either spouse can file based on irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing. The on-screen affair with Vanderpump Villa's Marciano Brunette, while certainly the catalyst for the filing, does not need to be established as grounds for the divorce itself.
That said, conduct during the marriage can factor into other aspects of the case. Utah courts consider several factors when determining alimony under Utah Code § 30-3-5, including the financial condition and needs of the receiving spouse, the earning capacity of each party, and the length of the marriage. At five years, this is a relatively short marriage by Utah standards, which typically limits the duration of any alimony award.
The more consequential issue involves the couple's two children. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10, custody determinations must serve the best interests of the child. Utah courts evaluate factors including the emotional ties between parent and child, the capacity of each parent to provide care, and the benefit of keeping siblings together. With children aged 5 and 2, the court will likely appoint a custody evaluator if the parents cannot reach agreement.
Utah's parent-time guidelines under Utah Code § 30-3-35 establish a minimum schedule for the noncustodial parent. For children under 5, the schedule includes midweek overnights and alternating weekends. For children 5 through 18, the standard schedule expands to include extended summer parent-time of up to 4 weeks.
The Reality TV Factor Complicates Everything
The timing of this divorce — coinciding with the Season 4 premiere of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu — creates complications that most Utah divorces never face. Reality television income, likeness rights, and ongoing contractual obligations add layers of complexity to both property division and custody proceedings.
Under Utah Code § 30-3-5(1), the court must make equitable orders regarding the property and obligations of the parties. Reality TV contracts often include ongoing royalties, appearance fees, and syndication income. These revenue streams — estimated at $20,000 to $100,000 per episode for established cast members on similar Hulu productions — become subject to equitable division during the divorce.
The restraining order request also raises a practical question that Utah courts increasingly face: can a divorce filing effectively override a media contract? If Jessi has a contractual obligation to appear on Call Her Daddy or to promote Season 4, a court-ordered gag order could expose her to breach of contract claims. Utah courts must weigh these competing interests carefully.
Practical Takeaways for Utah Residents
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Temporary restraining orders in Utah divorce cases require a showing of immediate and irreparable harm under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 65A. If you are served with one, you have the right to a hearing within 14 days to contest it. Do not ignore the filing — failure to respond can result in the order becoming effective by default.
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Utah courts can restrict both parties from publicly disparaging each other during divorce proceedings, particularly when minor children are involved. Under Utah Code § 30-3-33, courts may include provisions in temporary orders prohibiting conduct detrimental to the children, which can include public commentary about the other parent.
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If you or your spouse earns income from social media, content creation, or reality television, that income is subject to equitable division. Document all revenue streams — brand deals, appearance fees, platform earnings, and royalties — before filing.
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Adultery, while not required as grounds for divorce in Utah, can influence custody determinations if the court finds the behavior impacts the children. Under Utah Code § 30-3-10(2), the court considers the moral standards of each parent as one factor among many.
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Utah requires a 90-day waiting period from filing to finalization under Utah Code § 30-3-18. With a March 19 filing date, the earliest this divorce could be finalized is June 17, 2026 — assuming the parties reach full agreement, which appears unlikely given the restraining order dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Utah court actually prevent someone from talking about their divorce on a podcast?
Utah courts can issue temporary restraining orders restricting public commentary during divorce proceedings, but the bar is high. Under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 65A, the movant must demonstrate immediate and irreparable injury. Courts are constitutionally reluctant to impose prior restraints on speech, and the restrained party has the right to a hearing within 14 days to challenge the order.
How long does a divorce take in Utah when children are involved?
Utah requires a mandatory 90-day waiting period under Utah Code § 30-3-18 from the date of filing. With contested custody issues, most Utah divorces involving children take 6 to 12 months. Cases requiring custody evaluations — common when parents disagree on parenting time — can extend to 12 to 18 months from filing to final decree.
Does cheating affect divorce outcomes in Utah?
Utah is a no-fault state, so adultery is not required to obtain a divorce under Utah Code § 30-3-1. However, marital misconduct can influence alimony awards and, in limited circumstances, custody determinations if the court finds the conduct directly impacts the children's wellbeing. Adultery alone does not automatically change property division in Utah.
How is reality TV income divided in a Utah divorce?
Reality television income earned during the marriage is marital property subject to equitable division under Utah Code § 30-3-5. This includes episode fees, appearance bonuses, brand partnership revenue, and ongoing royalties from reruns or streaming. Utah courts divide marital property equitably, which means fairly — not necessarily 50/50.
What is the difference between a restraining order and a protective order in Utah?
Utah law distinguishes between temporary restraining orders issued during divorce proceedings under Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 65A and protective orders under Utah Code § 78B-7-103. Protective orders address domestic violence, stalking, or abuse and carry criminal penalties for violation. Divorce restraining orders address conduct like property dissipation or harmful public statements and are enforced through contempt of court.
If you are navigating a divorce in Utah — whether high-profile or private — connecting with an experienced family law attorney in your county is the most important first step. Use our Utah directory to find exclusive representation near you.
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.