When Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in February 2023 on domestic‑violence charges, her ex‑husband Tate Paul found himself in a precarious position. With two young children at stake—daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5—Tate called Utah police to confirm what legal safeguards were in place to keep the kids safe from potential harm. The conversation, captured in audio and transcripts released by Us Weekly on March 27, revealed the steps Tate could take to secure a protective order and the nuances of how such orders work in Utah.
Background of the Incident
In early 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was accused of physically assaulting her then‑boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. According to police reports, she struck him and threw several chairs during a heated argument. One of the chairs allegedly struck their daughter Indy, prompting the arrest. The incident unfolded in the family home where Taylor, Tate, Indy, and Ocean lived together until their split in May 2022. Taylor also shares a son, Ever True, 2, with Dakota, adding another layer of complexity to the family’s dynamics.
Following the arrest, the police placed a temporary “jail release agreement” on Taylor. This agreement typically restricts the alleged offender from contacting the victims for up to a week, giving law enforcement time to assess the situation and determine whether a longer‑term protective order is warranted.
Legal Protections for Children
When a parent is charged with domestic violence, the court can issue a protective order that specifically includes the children. Such orders are designed to prevent the alleged offender from approaching or communicating with the children, thereby reducing the risk of further abuse or intimidation. In Utah, a protective order can be temporary—lasting up to 30 days—or permanent, depending on the severity of the allegations and the court’s assessment.
During the phone call, Tate expressed confusion about the scope of the existing order. He noted, “That was one thing I didn’t understand. There’s a no‑contact order for [redacted]. Usually they do it for both children that are in the home, right?” The officer clarified that the standard practice is indeed to extend the order to all children residing in the home. However, because the initial agreement was short‑term, Tate was encouraged to pursue a full protective order to ensure long‑term safety.
Steps to Secure a Protective Order
For parents like Tate who want to protect their children after a domestic‑violence arrest, the process involves several key steps:
- File a Petition: Submit a formal request to the court, detailing the alleged abuse and the need for protection.
- Provide Evidence: Include police reports, medical records, or witness statements that support the claim.
- Attend a Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing where both parties can present their case.
- Obtain a Temporary Order: If the judge finds sufficient evidence, a temporary protective order can be issued immediately.
- Request a Permanent Order: After the temporary period, the petitioner can request a permanent order, which may last several years.
- Enforce the Order: Law enforcement will monitor compliance, and violations can lead to arrest and additional penalties.
It’s important for parents to act quickly. The longer the delay, the greater the risk that the alleged offender could contact the children or the family home. In Tate’s case, the officer explained that he could apply for a full protective order “to protect his children,” a more long‑term solution than the initial jail release agreement.
Implications for Custody and Future Safety
Protective orders are not just about preventing contact; they also influence custody arrangements. Courts consider the safety of the children when deciding on visitation schedules, living arrangements, and even the location of the children’s school. If a protective order is in
InfluencerBlogger
