Taylor Frankie Paul is very happy with the results of her latest hearing amid her legal issues with Dakota Mortensen.
The exes were in court on Thursday to discuss their protective orders and custody arrangement for their 2-year-old son Ever. Based on everything that was shared by both legal teams, it’s still incredibly clear that they just do not get along these days — and the court thinks their dynamic is downright “toxic”! At the end of the hearing, according to various reports, Commissioner Russell Minas issued mutual protective orders, which were granted for three years. The court did not make a decision on new custody arrangements at this time — those will be discussed ahead of a June 1 hearing.
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During the ruling, Minas said it’s clear to him that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars can’t be in the same place for long before “it turns violent,” noting that “there’s been violence both ways between these parties” with Taylor’s “conduct” being “more reactive” and Dakota’s “more deliberative.” Minas said their relationship is “dysfunctional” and full of “toxicity” — something that’ll become a major problem for their son if not resolved soon:
“You guys have to figure out a lot here. You have to figure out how to function as co-parents.”
Minas stressed that their behavior could “affect” Ever when he “grows up and becomes an adult,” saying:
“This is your legacy. … You’re modeling right now how you deal with conflict to a 2-year-old.”
It’s so true!
Previous custody orders granted Dakota primary physical custody with eight hours per week of supervised visitation for the mother. But it seems likely that could change in the future. The legal professional said he’s “wary that Dakota may actually try to use [the visitation] as a way to manipulate and control” Taylor if it continues.
No matter what happens, it’s clear the reality stars will be staying far from each other — as Minas said “all of the evidence” suggests time together is “a bad idea” and the distance is “what’s best” for Ever. Whoa.
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The hearing was clearly an emotional situation for both parties, but Taylor is pleased with the results. Her lawyer, Eric M. Swinyard, told People on Friday the ruling is “a significant step forward,” “requiring that Taylor’s ex-partner stay far away from her.” He furthered:
“Taylor was incredibly candid with the Court that she is not perfect and owned her faults, which is in direct contrast to how the other party presented their argument, despite evidence and input from law enforcement that showed otherwise.”
He went on:
“Taylor feels solidarity with the many survivors who have endured similar hardships behind closed doors and shared only part of their stories.”
The MomTok star “remains grateful for the outpouring of support she continues to receive” and “looks forward to continuing to cooperate with the Court to make progress in the custody case.”
Interestingly, while Taylor and Dakota can’t stand each other, the same doesn’t seem to be the case with the rest of the Mortensens! Taylor was actually seen hugging Dakota’s mom, Cheyenne Cranford Mortensen, after the hearing! The momma looked very emotional as she wrapped an arm around Taylor, whose back was to the camera. See HERE.
WOW. Unexpected, right?! It just goes to show how complicated and emotional this whole case is for everyone involved. Hopefully, these protective orders help keep things as calm as possible for little Ever.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
[Image via Disney Plus & Dakota Mortensen/Instagram]
