“A girl’s impressions about who she may like or marry are from Satan, unless that direction is approved by Paul Elden Kingston.”
— As described in the complaint

In January 2025, Kathrine Nichols — then 20 years old — filed a federal lawsuit against the Latter Day Church of Christ, its leader Paul Elden Kingston, and the man who became her husband: her uncle, Daniel Charles Kingston, Paul Elden Kingston’s son.

Her complaint is one of the most detailed accounts ever filed of how the Order grooms children for coercive marriage from their earliest years.

A System Designed to Control

From birth, Kathrine was told she would enter an “Order Marriage” — arranged by leadership, not by her. At age 10, her blood was tested to map future marriages and reduce birth defect risk among close relatives she might be matched with. At 16, she was given a “dance card” — a list of men she was approved to dance with and potentially marry. All three names on that card were her uncles by blood.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

• She was transported across state lines — to New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah — for three separate marriage ceremonies. Her lawyers argue these constitute federal trafficking offenses.
• Her groom falsified a Rhode Island marriage worksheet to conceal his existing marriages
• She was offered a car, a phone, and a pay raise as incentives to comply
• After resisting, she alleges she was subjected to repeated rape and abuse

Legislative Impact

Nichols’ lawsuit directly influenced Utah’s 2025 legislative session. Senate Bill 76, which passed both chambers unanimously, restricts the permitted age gap in juvenile marriages — a direct response to coercive arrangements like the one she describes. Read the full story at KSL News.

JPA’s Role

This case is represented by JPA attorney Roger Hoole. It runs alongside the broader Grant v. Kingston federal litigation and a separate family-law proceeding involving Kathrine’s annulment and custody. Together, these cases make clear that the abuse documented in Grant is not an anomaly — it is the normal operation of a system designed to exploit the women born into it.

Sources

• Salt Lake Tribune: Utah woman sues Kingston group, alleges she was coerced into marrying uncle at 16
• KSL: Utah legislature cracks down on youth marriage amid polygamy lawsuits

Related Cases

• Grant, et al. v. Kingston — The Anchor Federal Case
• Kathrine Nichols — Annulment and Custody

How to Help

These cases are expensive to litigate. Every dollar donated to JPA goes directly toward supporting survivors in court. Make a gift.