Why Jessi Draper's Husband Jordan Could Have Filed 'Fabricated' Restraining Order As 'Leverage' (Exclusive)

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura seem to be headed for a contentious divorce battle after Jordan filed a restraining order against his estranged wife.

Ngatikaura filed for a temporary restraining order on Friday, March 20, a day after filing for divorce from his wife of five years a day earlier. Draper, who is one of the leading cast members on the show, filed an opposition to the TRO, and Page Six reports that Ngatikaura’s filing has since been denied.

Draper accused Ngatikaura of emotional abuse in season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and, in season 4, expressed fears that he would be a “very hard person to divorce” after learning that their prenup may be invalid. “He would be spiteful and vindictive. I think he would play a little bit dirty. So I just have to prepare myself that if we do get divorced that it could go that way,” Draper said.

Draper’s prediction may have come true with her husband’s failed restraining order. According to Yonatan S. Levoritz, a divorce litigator and founding attorney of Levoritz Law Firm, “Some lawyers have clients fabricate stories to obtain restraining orders in order to increase their leverage in custody cases or to obtain additional funds, especially in high-profile divorces.”

While Levoritz told SheKnows that he would only advise a client to file a restraining order in cases of abuse or if “they feel they are in danger,” he says that there are some added advantages of restraining orders.

“They are beneficial for numerous reasons — especially if the claims are fabricated,” says Levoritz, adding a restraining order can be used as leverage to get “custody, child access, and, of course, since the other side will want the restraining order dropped, money.”

Draper did not comment after Ngatikaura filed for divorce. However, Ngatikaura said in a statement that their breakup was not “an easy decision.”

“While our paths are now moving in different directions, my priority remains my children and ensuring they feel loved, supported, and protected through this transition,” he said, adding, “I am committed to handling this next chapter with kindness and respect.”

The couple shares two children: son Jagger, 5, and daughter Jovi, 3.