Kevin Franke’s New Chapter: 5 Shocking Updates On His Life After Ruby Franke’s Conviction

The past couple of years have been a period of seismic change for Kevin Franke, the ex-husband of disgraced former family vlogger, Ruby Franke. Following his estranged wife's high-profile child abuse conviction, Kevin has been quietly navigating a new life that includes legal battles, a finalized divorce, and a completely fresh start in his personal life, marking a dramatic pivot from the scrutiny of the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel to a role as a public advocate. As of December 2025, the updates on Kevin Franke are significant, painting a picture of a man focused on redemption, recovery, and the well-being of his children. The latest and most current information reveals a man who has taken decisive steps to close the painful chapter of his marriage and step into a new future, which includes a surprise engagement and a determined fight for child welfare reform in Utah.

Kevin Franke: Complete Biography and Profile

Kevin Franke is an American educator and the former husband of convicted child abuser and former family vlogger, Ruby Franke. His life was thrust into the national spotlight following the arrest and conviction of his wife and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

• Full Name: Kevin Franke
• Known For: Ex-husband of Ruby Franke; Father of six children; Former family vlogger on the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel.
• Current Status: Divorced from Ruby Franke; Newly engaged; Child welfare advocate; Plaintiff in a lawsuit against Jodi Hildebrandt.
• Professional Background: Formerly a professor (Dr. Franke) at Brigham Young University (BYU) in the engineering school.
• Marital Status: Engaged (as of late 2024).
• Former Spouse: Ruby Franke (Divorce finalized in 2024).
• Children: Six children with Ruby Franke.
• Residence: Utah, where he was granted ownership of the couple's properties, including a $1.3 million home.

The Final Split: Divorce and Property Settlements

The biggest update in Kevin Franke's personal life is the finalization of his divorce from Ruby Franke. Kevin initially filed for divorce on November 30, 2023, approximately three months after his estranged wife's arrest. The legal proceedings concluded, and a Utah judge signed off on the agreed terms, making their split official just over 18 months after Ruby's arrest.

Kevin Franke Awarded Family Assets

In the divorce settlement, Kevin Franke was awarded the couple's properties, a significant development that gives him control over the family's assets moving forward. This included ownership of a 2.8-acre property and the couple's $1.3 million Utah home. Furthermore, the agreement stipulated that Kevin would consider all child support from Ruby, which is a key detail given her lengthy prison sentence of up to 60 years.

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The successful finalization of the divorce marks a definitive end to the tumultuous chapter of his marriage and provides a legal foundation for him to rebuild his life and focus entirely on his children's recovery and future.

A Fresh Start: New Engagement and Personal Redemption

In a surprising and positive turn of events, Kevin Franke announced his engagement to a new partner in late 2024. This announcement came only about six months after the finalization of his divorce from Ruby Franke, signaling a quick and determined move toward a new, healthier life. The news of the engagement was met with widespread public interest, as it represented a clear break from his past and a commitment to personal happiness and stability.

Kevin Franke has publicly spoken about finding "redemption" and starting a "fresh start" with his new partner. This significant life event is a major indicator of his focus on moving forward and creating a stable, loving environment for himself and his children, who are now under his care. The engagement is a powerful symbol of recovery and the possibility of a positive future after enduring a massive public scandal and personal trauma.

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Legal Battle Continues: The Lawsuit Against Jodi Hildebrandt

Kevin Franke's legal battles are not over. In a move that demonstrates his commitment to accountability, he filed a lawsuit against Jodi Hildebrandt, the mental health therapist and former business partner of Ruby Franke who was convicted alongside her for child abuse. Hildebrandt, who ran the "ConneXions" life coaching service with Ruby, provided care for Kevin, his former wife, and multiple other members of the Franke family.

The lawsuit alleges that Hildebrandt's actions and influence were instrumental in the abuse and estrangement that occurred within the Franke family. This legal action is a critical step in seeking justice and holding all parties responsible for the trauma inflicted upon his children. It highlights the ongoing complexity of the situation and Kevin Franke's determination to fight for his family's well-being on all fronts.

Advocacy and Child Welfare Reform

Stepping out of the shadow of the YouTube scandal, Kevin Franke has publicly transitioned into a role as an advocate for child welfare reform. He has actively participated in legislative efforts, speaking in front of Utah's Child Welfare Legislative committee in July 2024.

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His testimony and public statements focus on raising concerns over Utah's protection of children and advocating for systemic changes to prevent similar cases of abuse and neglect. This move is particularly impactful, as he brings a unique, first-hand perspective to the conversation, using his family's tragic experience to push for better safeguards for vulnerable children in the state.

Kevin Franke's voice in the child welfare space is a powerful example of turning personal tragedy into public action. He has given updates on the victims, his children, stating that "each one of [them]" is in the process of healing and recovery. His efforts focus on ensuring that no other family has to endure the kind of abuse and public scrutiny his family has faced, cementing his current public identity as a dedicated father and reformer.