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- What prompted DCFS to step in and what it seeks
- Exes respond: why they are speaking out now
- Family history: relationships and the children involved
- Taylor Paul’s reaction and legal stance
- How the exes are managing public scrutiny
- Timeline and legal next steps to watch
- Legal context and calls for improved coordination
- Resources and support contacts for abuse or domestic violence
Taylor Frankie Paul’s former partners, Dakota Mortensen and Tate Paul, have broken a long silence after Utah’s child-welfare agency moved to involve juvenile court in the disputes over her children. Their joint statement pushed back on Taylor’s public comments and underscored the seriousness of the agency’s petition.
What prompted DCFS to step in and what it seeks
State investigators with Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services filed a petition moving custody matters into juvenile court. The filing asks the court to determine whether the children should be considered abused, neglected or dependent.
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DCFS also requested several immediate protections for the children. Among them were:
- protective supervision services;
- appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the kids;
- any other orders the court deems necessary for the children’s welfare.
Agency involvement in custody disputes is a common step when officials believe a child’s safety may be at risk. The move shifts the case into a system built for urgent child-protection decisions.
Exes respond: why they are speaking out now
Dakota Mortensen and Tate Paul issued a joint reply through legal counsel. They said they had avoided public commentary to shield private family matters and to keep focus on their children.
But the pair said Taylor’s recent statement made the situation seem less severe than the DCFS filing indicates. They emphasized that the petition is not a routine transfer to juvenile court or a simple chance for family growth.
In their view, the agency’s request asks the court to recognize that children face immediate safety concerns and to set an expedited hearing to address protection.
What the fathers say they want now
- Prioritize the children’s recovery and privacy.
- Support meaningful accountability for adults involved.
- Improve coordination among courts, law enforcement and child-welfare agencies.
They added that warning signs were missed for too long and that better system coordination is needed to protect kids, referencing reforms like Om’s Law.
Family history: relationships and the children involved
Taylor, 32, has been in the public eye for years. Her relationships with both men have produced children and legal tension.
- Dakota Mortensen, 33, shares son Ever, 2, with Taylor. The pair dated on and off for several years.
- Tate Paul was married to Taylor from 2016 until 2022. They share two children: Indy, 8, and Ocean, 6.
Reports of domestic incidents and boundary breaches in the couples’ open relationship arrangements fueled prior headlines. Some incidents were investigated, and in at least one case prosecutors declined to file charges.
Taylor Paul’s reaction and legal stance
Taylor’s legal team told reporters she accepts the transfer to juvenile court. Her attorney framed the move as a constructive step that provides structure and oversight.
In their statement, Taylor’s counsel said she welcomes added supervision and plans to keep working on her progress. They described her as committed to normalizing custody arrangements and improving her wellbeing.
Taylor expressed appreciation for DCFS professionalism and said she remains focused on the path forward.
How the exes are managing public scrutiny
Dakota and Tate said they’ve chosen not to engage in online disputes, despite what they called false allegations circulating on social media. Their silence, they said, is intended to protect the children, not because they lack a response.
They indicated they will share their perspectives when the time and forum are appropriate.
Timeline and legal next steps to watch
- DCFS files petition with juvenile court seeking findings of abuse, neglect or dependency.
- Agency requests expedited hearing and protective services for the children.
- Guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the minors’ interests.
- Court hearings determine temporary protections and the path forward in custody matters.
The juvenile court process is designed to act quickly when child safety is in question. Outcomes can include supervised custody plans, services for families, or further investigation.
Legal context and calls for improved coordination
Both fathers urged better communication between family court, law enforcement, prosecutors and child-welfare agencies. They argued that gaps in coordination can leave children vulnerable.
They praised DCFS for acting on concerns and for initiating protective steps. They also said their families’ experiences could help reform how these systems work together.
Resources and support contacts for abuse or domestic violence
If you or someone you know needs help, organizations are available for confidential support and crisis intervention:
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: call or text 1-800-422-4453.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance.
