Utah’s Department of Children and Family Services has filed a petition asking a juvenile court to find that Taylor Frankie Paul’s three children have been “abused, neglected, or dependent.” The filing comes amid ongoing custody battles with both her ex-husband Tate Paul and ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, as the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star continues to face legal scrutiny over her parenting and mental health.
According to the petition, during a May 2026 home visit, Taylor told DCFS caseworkers her life coach was “the only reason she was still alive” and wanted that same person to conduct her mental health and domestic violence assessments. DCFS claims they informed her that the life coach was not qualified. During the same visit, Taylor allegedly stormed out after reading social media messages and told caseworkers they “should know who killed her if she ends up dead because she felt no one believes her”.
The DCFS filing also cites Taylor’s 2023 aggravated assault plea stemming from a domestic violence incident in which video showed her throwing a metal chair at Mortensen while her daughter Indy was present. The petition further alleges that Indy changes her younger brother’s diaper, prepares his bottle, and often hears Taylor and Dakota fighting, which makes her sad. DCFS also claims Taylor’s therapist told the agency she had not begun meaningful treatment, did not seem invested in the program, and appeared to be attending therapy because she felt “forced” to do so.
A source connected to Taylor said that the leak of the juvenile court petition “speaks volumes on its own,” adding that the filing leaves out documented concerns about “the other side” and that the court will weigh all evidence in full. Taylor’s legal team previously stated she “remains fully committed to doing whatever is necessary” and appreciates the professionalism of DCFS.
