Dakota Mortensen has entered a new chapter in his private life. The reality TV star is now in a new relationship after months of dating rumors. The update comes as his ongoing legal battle with ex Taylor Frankie Paul continues to make headlines. The latest development offers a fresh look at where things stand for Dakota today.
Dakota Mortensen’s new romance follows his split from Taylor Frankie Paul
PEOPLE exclusively confirmed that Dakota Mortensen is dating The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives guest Shinia Powell. The rumors first began when Dakota admitted he hooked up with Shinia before Taylor left to film season 4 of The Bachelorette. Shinia has supported Dakota through difficult times, especially when he did not have his immediate family nearby, a source close to the couple told PEOPLE. They are enjoying their friendship and have “grown into something more” naturally, the source added, and are “thinking through what it means to us and our kids.”
The source added that the duo is aware that their relationship will draw public attention, but they ask people to remain mindful of their privacy and feelings. The confirmation comes as Dakota faces a legal battle with Taylor over custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Ever.
Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services filed a July 13 petition asking a juvenile court to review concerns that Taylor’s three children are “abused, neglected, or dependent,” according to PEOPLE. The filing also seeks the court’s protective supervision and a guardian ad litem for the children. Following the filing, Dakota and Taylor’s former husband, Tate Paul, issued a joint statement through their attorney, Chad Shattuck. The attorney wrote that both the fathers “share the serious concern that the family court system, law enforcement, prosecutors, and child-welfare agencies need meaningful coordination necessary to understand the situation and act in a manner most likely to protect the children.”
The statement also said Dakota and Tate have stayed quiet despite what they called false accusations on social media because they want to protect their children. It added that they plan to tell their side of the story “in the appropriate forum” when the time is right. Another source told PEOPLE that someone was responsible for leaking private juvenile court records instead of keeping the children’s secrets. The juvenile court will consider all documented concerns with both parties before making any decisions, the source added.
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