Taylor Frankie Paul’s legal team has responded after child welfare officials raised concerns about the wellbeing of her three children.

According to legal documents published by TMZ on Wednesday, July 15, Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services filed a petition asking a juvenile court to find that her three children are “abused, neglected or dependent.”

The filing also asked the judge to order protective supervision services, appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the children and issue any additional orders deemed to be in their best interests.

Per the outlet, the Utah Attorney General’s Office filed the petition this week and requested an expedited hearing.

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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 32, shares son Ever, 2, with Dakota Mortensen as well as two children — daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6 — with her ex, Tate Paul.

In response to the news of the filing, the reality TV star’s legal team shared a statement with Us Weekly on Thursday, July 16.

“It was recently decided that the ongoing custody actions would be best suited for juvenile court, a common step for families engaged in highly contentious, complex custody matters,” Paul’s legal representatives said via the statement. “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.”

The statement continued: “Taylor remains fully committed to doing whatever is necessary to reach that goal and will not be swayed from it. Taylor appreciates the professionalism of DCFS and its representatives.”

Last week, Paul shared a cryptic post via social media amid her contentious legal and custody issues.

“Today was extremely difficult, meanwhile, there has been at least 12+ people throughout this trying to make it harder,” Paul captioned an Instagram Story on July 8. “Thank you God for revealing them all want to be nothing like them.”

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She added, “They bully, I defend myself. not the same. Pay attention how this plays out. I trust.”

It’s unclear exactly who Paul was referring to in her social media post. However, the cryptic message came hours after she appeared in court amid the ongoing custody battle over Ever with Mortensen. Both Paul and Mortensen secured wins on July 8.

The judge ruled that Paul will receive more unsupervised time with Ever, expanding her weekend visitation. The win came despite claims from Mortensen’s legal team that Paul has taken “less than half” of her allocated parenting time. Mortensen was also granted longer weekends with Ever on July 8. (Mortensen was initially granted temporary custody of Ever in March.)

Elizabeth Siders has become one of the most talked-about names in the country after the Ohio mother was arrested alongside her husband and in-laws in a shocking child endangerment case that authorities have described as almost unimaginable.

Siders, her husband Gary Siders Jr. and his parents, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders, were taken into custody on June 30, 2026, after officials discovered 16 children living in what has since been dubbed an Ohio “house of horrors.” Each of the four adults was charged with 16 counts of child endangerment, and all have pleaded not guilty. Their bonds were initially set at $300,000 each.

Here is everything to know about Elizabeth and the disturbing case that has captured national attention.

Elizabeth Siders’ Arrest and the Discovery of 16 Children

Authorities in Hamden, Ohio, first learned of the situation on June 30, 2026, when officers responded to the home for an unrelated investigation. Once inside, they discovered 16 children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old.

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Seven of the children were rushed to hospitals, with investigators saying one child was in critical condition. Child welfare officials have taken all 16 children into temporary custody. Authorities said the children were confined to a small room that contained human feces, none of them were enrolled in school and the oldest — an 18-year-old whom investigators believe has developmental disabilities — is unable to spell her own name.

Elizabeth, 33, and Gary Jr. were identified as the children’s parents. Gary Sr. and Christina were identified as their grandparents. According to investigators, the family reportedly moved around southern Ohio over the past two decades and lived a transient lifestyle in an apparent attempt to avoid creating any medical or governmental paper trail.

“These folks were pretty good at hiding these kids,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said on July 1, 2026, per CBS News, adding that the children “looked like almost feral animals” and calling the situation “terrible.”
Elizabeth Siders’ Attorney Says She ‘Doesn’t Come Across as Evil’

Just over a week after the arrests, Elizabeth’s attorney, J. Tommy Stolly made a striking public defense of his client on the July 9, 2026, episode of NewsNation’s CUOMO.

“The person that I met comes across as a mother who has been separated from her children, who is exhausted and who misses her children and is asking me constantly what she needs to do to see her children again, what she needs to do to ultimately be reunited with her children,” Stolly, who has met Elizabeth three times in person at that point, told host Chris Cuomo.

Stolly insisted his client “does not come across as pure evil” despite the way she has been portrayed in the media, and he pushed back on what he described as a rush to judgment.

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“That does not jive with the prosecutor’s narrative. It doesn’t jive with the attorney general’s narrative,” he said. “And I think because of that language that was used so early on in this case, we are sitting here now having to defend that on television and in the media instead of in a court of law.”

The attorney acknowledged he has not seen any of the children and has not been informed of their current conditions, but he defended his read of Elizabeth after spending hours with her behind bars.

“I’ve been able to meet with my client. I’ve spoken to Elizabeth. I’m a criminal defense attorney,” Stolly said. “I sit across from people in the jail all the time. I can get a sense of what someone is thinking, what someone is feeling.”
He added, “It is very clear that Elizabeth Siders cares about these kids. In the hours and hours that I sat there in the jail, she keeps directing the conversation back to, ‘Are the kids OK?’ She’s been receiving care packages in the jail, Chris, and today, she tried to give me some of the items from her care package to give to the kids.”

Elizabeth Siders Wants to Be Reunited With Her 16 Children

While Elizabeth remains detained on her $300,000 bond, Stolly has since filed a request asking the court to allow her to leave jail under certain conditions so she can eventually reunite with her children. In the filing, he argued that Elizabeth is not a threat, citing her lack of a criminal history.

“Through conversations with Counsel, the Defendant maintains that her principal desire (is) to reunite with her children; she understands that reunification of any sort is an impossibility if she does not appear before this Court,” the court filing obtained by WOWK 13 stated.

Stolly went on to argue in the filing that Elizabeth would not pose a threat to her children, who have since been removed from her care. A judge has not yet ruled on the request.

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A mom in Ohio has been sentenced after she admitted to shoving her kids down the stairs, which she previously claimed was “normal discipline.” Daisha Phillips was sentenced to two years in prison on Monday, June 22, after she pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse, according to a courtroom report from the Cincinnati […]

Gary Sr. was released from jail on July 8, 2026, after being hospitalized for health issues.

Gary Sr. and Christina’s attorney, Dorian Baum, also urged the public to reserve judgment.

“We ask that the community at large, as well as anyone who might have an interest in this case, to take a deep breath, step back, and let the case play out and the facts play out,” Baum told The Associated Press.

Elizabeth Siders’ Unrecognizable 2020 Photo Resurfaces

As the case has gained national attention, a photo of Elizabeth shared six years before her arrest has resurfaced online — and she looks strikingly different from the woman seen in her recent mugshot.

In the mugshot taken on June 30, 2026, Elizabeth has dark brunette hair and appears distraught, staring deadpan into the camera. But in a snapshot her mother, Lorie Russell, shared on Facebook on August 24, 2020, Elizabeth looked far more youthful. Her hair was blonde, and she wore lip gloss and eyeliner as she smiled for the camera.

“Happy Birthday to my daughter Elizabeth it [sic] hard to believe. My younhest [sic] is 28 today love you mom and dad,” Russell wrote alongside the photo.

It is not currently clear when the picture was actually taken. At the time it was posted, Elizabeth was already a mother of nine and was one month away from giving birth to her 10th child.

Elizabeth Siders Was 15 When She Got Married

Court records viewed by People indicate that Gary Jr. and Elizabeth legally got married in Mason County, West Virginia, on March 31, 2008. She was just 15 years old at the time, and he was 18 years old.

Their marriage was officiated by then-Circuit Court Judge David Nibert, and her parents were listed as Brian Ray Russell and Lori Ann Raines.

Both Gary Jr. and Elizabeth lived in Gallia County, Ohio, at the time of their wedding. They became parents when they welcomed their first child together two months after they wed.

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Elizabeth Siders Gave Birth to Conjoined Twins That Died in 2022

Elizabeth prematurely delivered conjoined twin daughters when she was 24 weeks pregnant on November 20, 2022, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, according to birth certificates viewed by WCMH.

The babies, who were named Faith Lee and Bailey Lee Siders, passed away just an hour after Elizabeth gave birth. The manner of their deaths were listed as “natural” and the cause of death was respiratory failure for both siblings.

The birth records state that the daughters were thoracopagus conjoined, which means they were joined at the chest, face-to-face and likely sharing at least one vital organ.

Elizabeth Siders Faced Prior Charges in Connection with 6 of Her Children Before 2026 Arrest

Elizabeth and Gary Jr. were charged in the Juvenile Court Division of the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas with truancy-related offenses in 2021, according to court records viewed by People.

The charges were filed on October 19, 2021, after Addaville Elementary in Gallipolis, Ohio, reported that six of their children failed to attend a single day of school.

The records state that Elizabeth and Gary Jr. were notified by Gallia County Local School District officials about their children’s absences, but they never took action.

The Gallia County Sheriff was granted the authority to serve the couple with a court summons and a copy of the six complaints on October 26, 2021, and an arraignment was set for November 15, 2021. However, the couple’s home was vacant when deputies stopped by to serve the couple.

The cases were ultimately terminated on January 7, 2022, due to the unavailability of the defendants.

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What’s Next in the Ohio House of Horrors Case?

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the conditions inside the home as “deplorable” during a news conference on July 7, 2026.

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“Conditions you cannot even imagine people being in, let alone children being in,” Wilson said. “Their medical condition was so severe that the number one concern of our law enforcement who were there at the scene was getting them medical treatment, getting them to safety, to the point where literally their lives were in danger at the time.”

The investigation remains ongoing into the case as detectives work to learn more about the situation.

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.

Erin Andrews reflected on the realities of being in the public eye when her surrogate suffered a miscarriage last year.

“I’m always so shocked how many people reach out about that and say, ‘Thank you so much for being so honest,’” Andrews, 48, told The Athletic in an interview published on Wednesday, July 15.

In May 2025, Andrews recorded an episode of her podcast “Calm Down” on the same day as she learned that her surrogate had a miscarriage with her second baby. The sportscaster shared with listeners that she’d received some “real s***ty news” and then spoke in detail about her fertility struggles. (Andrews and former NHL player Jarret Stoll welcomed son Mack via a surrogate in 2023 but had also previously lost another child through a surrogate miscarrying.)

“Those waiting rooms are packed. So many people are having problems with getting pregnant, having a baby, getting eggs, making embryos. I am right up there on that list. And I just decided, I’m not going to freaking candy-coat this anymore. I’m not going to be quiet about it,” she told The Athletic in Wednesday’s interview.

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Andrews went on, “If you can tell people, show people they’re not alone and be like, look, it doesn’t matter who you are and what you do for a living, I’m struggling, too. And be there for them. I’ve enjoyed that. It’s helped me kind of grieve and deal and all that. I’ve been grateful for the platform for it.”

In that poignant 2025 “Calm Down” episode, Andrews said that things were going “going really, really well” for her unborn baby before complications arose.

“I’ve been sitting here thinking about Taylor Swift’s song, ‘I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.’ I’m really good at doing this s*** with a broken heart,” she said at the time.

She continued, “I think I kinda made a promise to myself that when I was really open with how s***ty infertility has been and our journey with two surrogates, because we did lose … we had loss with our first surrogate and then luckily with our second one, we had Mack, that I was just going to be honest with people.”

“But, like I said, when I was first dealing with all these infertility issues and loss that I just wanted to let other people know that we’re dealing with them, that I get it and I understand,” she told podcast listeners in May 2025. “And I’m going to do that again. This really, really sucks but so many people are dealing with it so if you feel alone and you feel like a failure, I do too. But you’re not the only one.”

Andrews has struggled with both fertility and significant health issues, including a bout of cervical cancer in 2016. She underwent two operations before doctors were able to pronounce her cancer-free in 2017.

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Earlier this year, Andrews revealed on “Calm Down” that she’d started injecting the fertility drugs Human Growth Hormone, follitropin alfa and clomiphene to prepare for another round of IVF.

“I am crazy and I am with a doctor that said, ‘Listen, we’ll call it when it’s time’ … I just feel like, I believe my body can do it,” she insisted. “Even though I know that my age — with what history says — is not great with producing eggs and the viability of your eggs.”

The former Dancing With the Stars host added, “There’s just some s*** in me that I’m like, ‘Watch me do it.’ It’s like a weird addiction I have.”

“The Odyssey” has assembled one of Hollywood’s most star-studded casts, bringing together some actors who are working alongside one another for the first time. While promoting the film, Robert Pattinson revealed he once thought his co-star, Matt Damon, had gone completely unhinged, only to learn that he was fully committing to his preparation for the role of King of Ithaca.

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Christopher Nolan gathered an ensemble cast to bring Homer’s “The Odyssey” to life, including Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Robert Pattinson (Antinous), and Zendaya (Athena).

While promoting the epic fantasy movie, Pattinson recalled a memorable moment on set involving one of his co-stars. The “Batman” actor was asked whether there was a specific moment where he was in awe of Damon, and he revealed a behind-the-scenes look at how committed the actor was in fulfilling his role.

Pattinson said he once heard noises and screaming coming from Damon’s trailer, which was next to his. He said he always thought Damon was “such a nice guy” and didn’t know what to make of the screaming. “I thought he was on the phone and I’m like, ‘He’s a complete psycho.’ Like, he’s just like screaming. Screaming and screaming,” Pattinson told MTV U.K., adding that he also assumed the actor was having a “bad toilet experience.”

Later, he found out that Damon was straining his voice to “sound older” and more in character.

Matt Damon Went Through Rigorous Training

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Damon has extensively discussed the preparations he did to play Odysseus and is in the best shape of his life due to physical training. He shed weight, as director Christopher Nolan wanted him to appear lean but strong.

The actor went through rigorous training and also followed a strict diet to achieve the ideal physique. Speaking with the Kelce brothers on the “New Heights” podcast, Damon said, “I stopped eating gluten. I used to walk around at between 185 and 200, and I did that whole movie at 167. And I haven’t been that light since high school.”

Moreover, Damon attended nautical rowing camp and learned to operate an ancient warship and trained in archery, combat, and swordplay.

‘The Odyssey’ Is The Actor’s Most Challenging Movie

My favorite part of warm-weather dressing is knowing that stylish summer shoes can instantly make an outfit feel fresh. As a shopping editor, I’ve seen the most comfortable sandals, supportive slides and easy everyday sneakers disappear fast once the season kicks in, making now the smartest time to shop before your size is gone.

To help you out, I’ve rounded up the Amazon summer shoe deals actually worth adding to your cart. You’ll find everything on sale, including cushioned sandals, genuine leather styles, travel-friendly sneakers and vacation-ready platforms. Oh, and there are even some standout picks from Project Cloud, Cushionaire, Crocs, Skechers and more. Better yet, these warm-weather staples start at $20, so you can refresh your summer rotation without overspending.

Summer Shoe Deals on Amazon — Shop Before Sizes Sell Out!

1. Our Favorite: Made with genuine leather and a plush memory foam footbed, these designer-looking sandals deliver elevated style without sacrificing all-day comfort. They’re the kind of shoes you’ll wear from sightseeing to dinner, thanks to their versatile design and supportive feel — was $50, now $40!

2. Runner-Up: If you’re after a luxe, comfortable shoe for less, these cushioned sandals check every box with arch support, a soft suede-inspired footbed and adjustable straps. They make long summer walks feel much easier while pairing effortlessly with everything from linen pants to sundresses — was $70, now $50!

3. Celeb-Approved: Cloud-like cushioning and built-in arch support make these slide sandals a favorite for busy days on your feet. The minimalist silhouette taps into the comfortable recovery sandal trend that’s become a celebrity off-duty staple — was $30, now $20!

4. Designer-Looking: These elevated platform sandals deliver the expensive look of premium resort footwear with cushioned comfort built into every step. The flattering silhouette instantly dresses up shorts, maxi dresses and breezy matching sets — was $65, now $50!

5. Everyday Essential: Lightweight, breathable and incredibly comfortable, these popular Skechers sneakers are made for everything from travel days to everyday errands. Their responsive cushioning makes them an easy choice when sandals aren’t on the agenda — was $71, now $60!

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6. Beach-Day Pick: These classic flip-flops combine a soft cushioned footbed with dependable everyday comfort that goes beyond the beach. The timeless design makes them an easy grab-and-go option all season long — was $30, now $27!

7. Vacation MVP: Designed with lightweight cushioning and memory foam, these upgraded flip-flops offer noticeably more support than standard beach sandals. They’re perfect for packing since they pair with everything while taking up almost no suitcase space — was $50, now $27!

8. Walking Shoe: Cloudfoam cushioning helps soften every step, making these casual sneakers ideal for sightseeing, airport days and long walks. Their clean, sporty look works just as well with dresses as it does with leggings — was $45, now $40!

9. Comfort Trend: A lightweight wedge gives you extra height without the discomfort of traditional heels, and these Crocs are my favorite elevated shoe to wear in the summer. They’re waterproof, easy to clean and surprisingly polished for everything from brunch to vacation dinners — was $55, now $36!

10. Travel Favorite: These comfortable wedges feature cushioned support and flexible straps that shoppers say feel great straight out of the box. They’re an easy choice for vacations when you want something dressier that still handles hours of walking — was $41, now $29!

11. Espadrille Essential: Equal parts polished and practical, these espadrille wedges feature a comfortable elastic ankle strap and cushioned footbed that make them easy to wear from sightseeing to sunset dinners. The classic closed-toe silhouette adds a dressier touch while the low wedge gives you extra height without the usual discomfort — was $46, now $27!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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