Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Down: 'Emotionally Numb' Amid Custody Chaos

  • By Avery
  • June 15, 2026, 10 a.m.

Taylor's Emotional Rollercoaster

Taylor Frankie Paul, star of "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," opened up about her emotional state amidst a heated custody battle with ex Dakota Mortensen. Sharing her heartache on Instagram, the 32-year-old reality star confessed to feeling "emotionally numb." Responding to a fan who related to her situation, Taylor admitted she felt stuck, unable to offer advice, or even shed tears – a rare occurrence for her.

“I don’t know what to say anymore other than I’m right there with a lot of you,” she shared. “Wish I could be more helpful. Not sure when the nervous system switched… I can’t even cry lately which is very unlike me.”

Taylor further explained, "There is emotional overwhelm or numbness, both are coping mechanisms." Her candid revelation comes as she navigates the emotional turmoil of her ongoing legal battle.

A Bitter Custody Battle Unfolds

The custody clash between Taylor and Dakota centers around their 2-year-old son, Ever. After a series of domestic incidents and police investigations, Mortensen accused Taylor of physical violence, leading to his obtaining sole custody. Despite the tension, Taylor was granted supervised visitation rights, limited to six hours a week, as of her April 7 court appearance. The judge, concerned about Taylor's "volatility," issued this restriction pending further review.

The courtroom drama continued on April 30, where both Taylor and Dakota were ordered to maintain a 100-foot distance from one another, per their mutual protective orders. The judge criticized their "toxic relationship," urging them to find a way to co-parent effectively.

Dakota's Perspective

Dakota Mortensen, amid the legal storm, has publicly acknowledged the chaotic nature of their situation. In April, he shared with his followers that he needed to "step back" to gain clarity. His focus, he emphasized, is on creating a stable environment for their son, Ever.

Mortensen admitted, "I regret not stepping away from a difficult cycle sooner. I'm not perfect, and I take accountability for my part. I'm sincerely sorry to those I've hurt." His words reveal a desire to move forward and prioritize his child's well-being.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

Avery
Author: Avery
Avery

Avery

Avery runs the fast lane: tip triage, source vetting, and headline decisions in minutes. She specializes in “developing” items that turn into next-day exclusives, balancing speed with receipts. Expect tight copy, clean attributions, and zero fluff.