Taylor Frankie Paul’s former partners, Tate Paul and Dakota Mortensen, say her legal team understated the seriousness of a new child-welfare case involving her three children.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office filed a petition on behalf of the state’s Division of Child and Family Services on July 13. The agency asked a juvenile court to find that the children meet Utah’s legal definition of “abused, neglected, or dependent,” order protective supervision and appoint a guardian ad litem to represent their interests.
Chad Shattuck, an attorney representing both men, said they were “deeply concerned” that Taylor’s response “minimizes the gravity” of the filing and the conduct DCFS alleges prompted it, according to People.
Taylor shares two children with Tate, her former husband, and a younger son with Dakota, her former boyfriend.
Tate and Dakota Reject the ‘Common Step’ Description
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Taylor’s attorneys previously described the move into juvenile court as a “common step” for families involved in complex and highly contentious custody cases. Shattuck disputed that characterization on behalf of Tate and Dakota.
“The petition filed by DCFS this week is not a routine transition to juvenile court or an opportunity for personal growth,” he said. “DCFS has asked the Court to find that the children are abused and has requested an expedited hearing concerning their immediate protection.”
Shattuck said both fathers believe the family courts, law enforcement, prosecutors and child-welfare agencies need better coordination while the cases continue. He also said they had largely avoided discussing the disputes publicly to protect the children.
DCFS Raised Concerns About Taylor’s Treatment and Family Plan
The petition contains a series of allegations about Taylor’s interactions with caseworkers and her progress under an existing child and family plan. DCFS alleged that she left her home during one agency visit, leaving representatives to secure the residence after she departed.
The agency also cited what it described as insufficient progress under the family plan and concerns attributed to Taylor’s therapist about her investment in treatment. DCFS claimed Taylor had not adequately recognized how the ongoing domestic conflict was affecting her children.
Taylor’s Attorneys Say She Welcomes Court Oversight
Taylor’s legal team said the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star was “not deterred” by the transition to juvenile court and welcomed the additional structure and oversight.
Her attorneys said she remained committed to meeting the requirements necessary to “normalize custody” and become “the healthiest version of herself.” They also said she appreciated the professionalism of DCFS and its representatives.
The petition followed a July 8 custody hearing involving Taylor and Dakota. During that proceeding, a judge expanded Taylor’s parenting time with their son to include alternating weekends through Monday morning and the same midweek day each week without overnight visits.
The judge also ordered that the child be transported only in enclosed vehicles with age-appropriate safety measures after learning that Dakota had previously taken him on a motorcycle during a custody exchange.