Utah child welfare officials are asking a judge to step into Taylor Frankie Paul’s custody situation, alleging that her three children need court-ordered protection and supervision.
The Division of Child and Family Services filed an expedited juvenile court petition seeking to have the children declared “abused, neglected, or dependent.” The agency also wants a guardian ad litem appointed to represent them independently.
Paul, 32, is the mother of Indy, 8, Ocean, 5, and Ever, 2. She shares her two older children with ex-husband Tate Paul and Ever with Dakota Mortensen. The reality star’s attorney said transferring the custody matters to juvenile court is not unusual in difficult family disputes.
“Taylor remains fully committed to doing whatever is necessary” to stabilize custody and become “the healthiest version of herself,” the attorney said. The statement added that Paul “appreciates the professionalism of DCFS and its representatives.”
The agency’s petition paints a more troubling picture. During one home visit, officials allege Paul became upset after reading social media messages and “stormed out,” leaving DCFS workers inside her home.
The filing also says Paul has made limited progress under an existing child and family plan. Officials alleged that when concerns were discussed, her 5-year-old son heard her crying and encouraged her to “take deep breaths” because “everything was going to be okay.”
Paul’s legal team has pushed back against the public release of the information.
“Juvenile court is private to protect the children’s privacy,” a source connected to Paul said, adding that the filing does not include concerns allegedly raised about others involved in the case.
A judge has not yet ruled on the petition.
