Dakota Mortensen is reportedly dating Shinia Powell, a friend from the reality series “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” amidst a contentious custody battle with his ex, Taylor Frankie Paul. A source told People that Powell has been a significant support for Mortensen during this difficult period, and their friendship has evolved into a romantic relationship.
"Their close friendship has naturally grown into something more, and they are enjoying their time together while thoughtfully navigating what that means for them and their children," the source stated. Both Mortensen and Powell are parents to multiple children. Powell has two children, a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. Mortensen shares a 2-year-old son, Ever, with Paul.
The couple has requested privacy as they manage their new relationship and the existing legal turmoil. Powell, who appeared in Season 4 of the Hulu reality series as a friend of cast member Miranda Hope, also has two children.
Custody Battle Escalates
The custody dispute between Mortensen and Paul has intensified, with Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) filing a petition on July 13. The DCFS requested a juvenile court to determine if Paul's three children—Ever, Indy, and Ocean—are “abused, neglected, or dependent.” The department is seeking court-ordered protective supervision for the children and the appointment of a guardian ad litem.
Mortensen and Paul's ex-husband, Tate Paul, released a joint statement expressing concern that Taylor Frankie Paul's public statements minimize the gravity of the DCFS action and her underlying behavior. The statement indicated their focus remains on protecting the children, allowing them space to heal, and advocating for accountability.
"Tate and Dakota remain focused on protecting the children, giving them the time and space they need to heal, supporting meaningful accountability, and using what their families have experienced to help improve coordination between these systems in the future," the statement read. They have reportedly refrained from engaging in public social media discussions to protect their children, asserting they have a story to tell at the appropriate time and forum.
An attorney representing both fathers echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for better coordination among family courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and child-welfare agencies to ensure the children's protection.
A source connected to Taylor Frankie Paul responded to the DCFS filing, criticizing the leak of private juvenile court information and suggesting that such actions prioritize personal interests over the children's well-being. This source also indicated that DCFS concerns about the other parties are documented and will be considered by the juvenile court.
Mutual Protective Orders
The legal conflict between Mortensen and Paul has been ongoing for months, marked by accusations of physical violence. In March, Mortensen filed for a protective order against Paul, who subsequently filed her own restraining order against Mortensen in April. Both individuals were granted mutual protective orders against each other.