The Definitive Answer: Does Kevin Franke Have Full Custody Of His Kids After Ruby Franke's Conviction?

The question of who holds legal guardianship over the minor Franke children has been a central point of public interest since the shocking 2023 arrest of their mother, former "8 Passengers" YouTube star Ruby Franke. As of the most recent legal updates in late December 2025, the situation is now definitively settled following the finalization of the divorce between Kevin Franke and his estranged wife, Ruby Franke. Kevin Franke has been awarded full legal and physical custody of the couple's four minor children.

This resolution brings a measure of stability to the lives of the children—Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve—who were at the center of the horrific child abuse case that led to Ruby Franke's and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt's lengthy prison sentences. The finalized divorce and the subsequent custody agreement close a painful chapter for the Franke family, ensuring the children remain under the sole care of their father.

Kevin Franke: A Brief Biography and Timeline

Kevin Franke was primarily known to the public as the patriarch of the now-defunct "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, which chronicled the lives of his family of six children. His life, once documented for millions, has since been defined by a public health crisis and a legal battle to secure his children's safety.

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• Full Name: Kevin Franke
• Spouse (Estranged): Ruby Franke (Divorce finalized)
• Children: Six (Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve)
• Former Occupation: Counselor, often featured on the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel.
• Public Timeline Highlights:
  • 2015: The "8 Passengers" YouTube channel is launched, gaining millions of subscribers.
  • 2022: The channel becomes inactive amid growing public scrutiny and concerns over the children's welfare.
  • August 30, 2023: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are arrested on multiple counts of aggravated child abuse after two of the Franke children escape Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah.
  • September 2023: Kevin Franke files for divorce from Ruby Franke.
  • December 2023: Ruby Franke pleads guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
  • February 2024: Ruby Franke is sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1 to 15 years in prison. Jodi Hildebrandt receives the same sentence.
  • Late 2024/Early 2025: The divorce between Kevin and Ruby Franke is officially finalized.
  • Custody Status: Kevin Franke is awarded full custody of the four minor children.

The Custody Resolution: Full Custody Awarded to Kevin Franke

The question of "does Kevin Franke have custody of his kids" was answered definitively when his divorce from Ruby Franke was finalized. The legal agreement, which was obtained by media outlets, confirms that Kevin Franke has been granted full legal and physical custody of the four minor children: Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.

This decision was the expected outcome given the severity of the charges and the subsequent conviction of Ruby Franke. Following her arrest in August 2023, the four minor children were initially taken into the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). Kevin Franke, who was separated from Ruby at the time of the arrest, immediately sought to regain control and protect his children.

The final divorce agreement not only settled the custody issue but also addressed the couple's properties and financial matters. Kevin Franke was awarded the couple's properties, and the agreement stipulated that he would consider any child support owed by Ruby Franke as paid, effectively waiving it. This move further solidifies Kevin’s sole responsibility and control over the children's well-being and financial future.

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The two oldest Franke children, Shari and Chad, are adults and therefore were not subject to the custody agreement. Shari Franke, in particular, has been a vocal proponent of justice for her younger siblings, expressing relief and support for the legal proceedings that led to her mother's conviction.

The Impact of Ruby Franke's Conviction on the Children's Future

Ruby Franke is currently serving her sentence in a Utah prison after pleading guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The horrific details of the abuse, which included severe malnutrition, physical injuries, and emotional torture, were a major factor in the custody determination. Her conviction essentially removed any possibility of her retaining parental rights or having visitation with the minor children while incarcerated.

The custody resolution in favor of Kevin Franke marks a significant step toward healing and stability for the Franke children. The court's decision prioritizes the children's safety and emotional recovery, placing them in the care of their father, who was not implicated in the abuse.

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Key Entities and Factors in the Case:

• Ruby Franke: Convicted of aggravated child abuse, currently incarcerated.
• Jodi Hildebrandt: Ruby's business partner and co-defendant, also convicted and incarcerated for abuse.
• The Minor Children (Abby, Julie, Russell, Eve): Now in the full legal and physical custody of their father, Kevin Franke.
• Shari Franke: The eldest daughter, who has publicly supported the prosecution and her siblings' safety.
• 8 Passengers: The former family YouTube channel, a key element of the family's public identity that has since been deleted.
• Child Protective Services (CPS): The agency that initially took the children into protective custody after the arrests.

Kevin Franke's legal team has maintained that his focus has always been on protecting his children and ensuring their path toward recovery. The finalization of the divorce and the full custody award allows him to move forward without the legal uncertainty that has plagued the family since the summer of 2023. This outcome is a crucial step in the long process of recovery from the trauma they endured.

Moving Forward: Stability and Privacy for the Franke Family

With the custody battle concluded, the Franke family is now focused on rebuilding their lives away from the public eye. The "8 Passengers" YouTube channel is gone, and the family’s presence on social media has been drastically reduced, which is a necessary measure to ensure the children's privacy and emotional well-being.

The legal system has provided a clear path for the children's future, placing them solely with their father. This decision reflects the court's commitment to the best interests of the children, prioritizing their physical and emotional safety above all else. For those following the case, the definitive answer is clear: Yes, Kevin Franke has full legal and physical custody of his minor children, a status secured through the finalized divorce decree. The family now faces the challenge of healing, a process that will be aided by the stability and safety of their current living arrangement.