In the wake of a tumultuous legal battle, Kevin Franke has been granted full custody of his four minor children following a court order from the 4th District Juvenile Court. The divorce between Kevin and Ruby Franke has now been finalized, with Kevin awarded ownership of the couple's properties. Additionally, he agreed to consider all child support payments from Ruby as already fulfilled.
The Divorce Agreement and Its Implications
According to the divorce agreement obtained by PEOPLE, Kevin Franke will have sole custody of their four children who are still minors. This decision comes after Ruby Franke was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to prison. Ruby is currently serving a lengthy term for her role in the severe mistreatment of their children.
Ruby Franke, once a popular family vlogger known for sharing parenting advice on her YouTube channel 8 Passengers, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse in 2023. Since her arrest and conviction, Kevin has largely kept a low profile, commenting on the case primarily through his lawyer, Kester. However, he recently opened up in interviews, shedding light on his perspective and experiences during this challenging period.
Kevin Franke’s Role in the Abuse Allegations
Some observers have questioned Kevin Franke's level of involvement or awareness regarding the alleged abuse within the family. Critics argue that if Ruby was abusing the children, Kevin may have turned a blind eye, based on what was portrayed on their YouTube channel. Others suggest that the situation might have been more complex than it appeared online.
In an interview, Kevin Franke expressed regret over allowing his ex-wife to document their family life so publicly. He emphasized the dangers of excessive social media exposure, particularly when it involves vulnerable children. Kevin and his son Chad have since become vocal advocates for greater awareness about these risks, urging others to reconsider how much of their personal lives they share online.
A New Chapter for Kevin Franke
Despite the painful circumstances surrounding their separation, Kevin Franke maintains mixed feelings about his former spouse. In a candid conversation with TODAY.com, he admitted, “I do still love her. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not angry.” This emotional complexity underscores the challenges faced by families caught in high-profile legal disputes.
Kevin Franke, alongside his two oldest children, Shari and Chad, shared their story for the first time in the Hulu docuseries 'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.' Premiering on February 27, the series delves into the events leading up to Ruby's arrest and the subsequent fallout for the entire family. During one episode, Kevin recounted telling his kids he needed to step away temporarily to focus on self-improvement, hoping to return as a better husband and father.
Pushing for Reform
Beyond addressing his personal struggles, Kevin Franke has taken steps toward advocating for systemic changes. He has called upon lawmakers to reform how law enforcement and agencies like the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) handle cases involving child abuse allegations. By testifying before legislative committees, Kevin aims to ensure other families avoid similar tragedies.
In addition, Kevin supports legislation designed to safeguard funds earned by minors participating in web content creation. Recognizing the financial implications tied to Ruby's YouTube career, he hopes such measures will protect young creators from exploitation while promoting responsible guardianship.
A Legacy of Cautionary Tales
Ruby Franke's incarceration serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls associated with oversharing on social media platforms. For years, she documented her family's daily routines, offering advice to thousands of followers worldwide. Yet behind the scenes, darker realities unfolded—realities only fully revealed after authorities intervened.
As Kevin Franke navigates this new chapter in his life, he remains committed to protecting his children and raising awareness about the importance of privacy and accountability in digital spaces. His journey highlights the need for balance between transparency and discretion, especially when families choose to engage with audiences online.
Ruby Franke: A Brief Overview
Ruby Franke, originally from Utah, gained fame through her YouTube channel, which showcased her family's life and offered parenting tips. Her criminal status changed dramatically in 2023 when she was arrested and later convicted of abusing her children. Now incarcerated, Ruby faces up to 30 years in prison for her actions. Her former husband, Kevin Franke, continues to manage their shared responsibilities as parents while striving to rebuild trust and stability within their fractured household.
