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Reality TV personality Taylor Frankie Paul is facing new scrutiny from Utah's Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), which has petitioned a juvenile court to determine whether her three children should be classified as "abused, neglected, or dependent."
The filing, submitted through the Utah Attorney General's Office, requests protective supervision, the appointment of a guardian ad litem, and an expedited hearing.
Paul, 32, is the mother of Indy, 8, and Ocean, 6, with ex-husband Tate Paul, and Ever, 2, with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. According to court documents, DCFS raised concerns about her parenting and mental health, citing incidents during home visits.
In one case, Paul allegedly stormed out of her residence after reading social media messages, leaving caseworkers to secure the home. Another report noted her son Ocean tried to comfort her, telling her to "take deep breaths" when she became upset.
The petition also references Paul's 2023 aggravated assault plea, stemming from a domestic violence incident caught on video in which she threw a chair at Mortensen while her daughter was present.
DCFS claims her children have witnessed arguments and that her daughter has taken on caregiving responsibilities, such as changing diapers and preparing bottles.
Therapists involved in the case expressed concern that Paul has shown "lack of investment in treatment," saying she attends sessions only because she feels "forced." During a July 2026 meeting, she reportedly asked for a new therapist, claiming she wasn't adequately supported.
Paul's attorneys, however, maintain she is committed to improvement. In a statement, they said, "Taylor is not deterred by this transition; she welcomes the added structure and oversight it provides and looks forward to continuing her progress toward normalizing custody and becoming the healthiest version of herself."
Sources close to Paul argue the leaked petition presents "incomplete information" and insist the juvenile court will weigh concerns about both parents. DCFS officials have emphasized that removal of children is a last resort, preferring safety planning and support services whenever possible.
