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The Definitive Answer: Who Has Custody Of Ruby Franke's Children Today?

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The question of who has custody of Ruby Franke's children has been a central point of public interest following the former "8 Passengers" vlogger's shocking arrest and subsequent conviction for aggravated child abuse. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the legal and custodial situation for the Franke children is settled, with a definitive arrangement put in place after a lengthy legal process and the finalization of the parents' divorce. The outcome ensures the safety and well-being of the minors, placing them under the care of their father, Kevin Franke, while their mother serves her prison sentence.

The resolution came following Ruby Franke's guilty plea and sentencing, which saw her receive four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years, meaning she could serve up to 30 years in prison. Her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence. This legal finality paved the way for the family court to make permanent custodial decisions, drawing a clear line under the horrific events that led to the family's public collapse.

Ruby Franke: A Brief Biography and Profile

Ruby Franke, once a prominent figure in the "momfluencer" community, gained millions of followers documenting her family life on the now-defunct "8 Passengers" YouTube channel. Her public persona as a strict but loving mother of six crumbled with her 2023 arrest.

  • Full Name: Ruby Franke (née Ruby Spenst)
  • Former Career: YouTube Vlogger, "Momfluencer," Co-founder of ConneXions (a life-coaching service with Jodi Hildebrandt)
  • YouTube Channel: 8 Passengers (Deactivated, formerly over 2 million subscribers)
  • Spouse: Kevin Franke (Divorced)
  • Children: Six—Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve
  • Legal Status: Convicted of four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. Serving a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
  • Arrest Date: August 30, 2023
  • Location of Crime: Ivins, Utah (Jodi Hildebrandt's residence)

The Custody Decision: Kevin Franke Granted Full Custody

The most crucial and up-to-date information confirms that Kevin Franke, Ruby Franke's estranged husband, was granted full legal and physical custody of the couple's four minor children. This arrangement was formalized as part of the couple's divorce proceedings, which were finalized after Ruby's sentencing.

The four children who are minors and under Kevin’s sole custody are Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. This decision was based on a previous order from the 4th District Juvenile Court, which had placed the children in state custody immediately following Ruby's arrest. Kevin's successful petition for divorce and custody effectively transitioned the children from the care of Child Protective Services (CPS) back into the care of their father.

No Contact Order for Ruby Franke

A significant detail of the custody arrangement is the strict no-contact order. Ruby Franke is legally barred from having any contact with her minor children. This measure is a direct result of the severity of the child abuse she admitted to, which included extreme neglect, physical abuse, and emotional torment, often carried out at the direction of her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The court's priority was clearly the protection and safety of the children.

Furthermore, the divorce agreement stipulated that Kevin Franke was awarded the couple's properties, and he agreed to consider any child support owed by Ruby as paid, simplifying the financial aspects of the separation while prioritizing the children's stability.

The Status of the Older Franke Children: Shari and Chad

While the formal custody battle focused on the four minor children, the two oldest Franke children, Shari and Chad, played a pivotal and public role in the case. As adults or near-adults at the time of the arrest, their status is different from their younger siblings, but their relationship with their family is key to understanding the Franke family's recovery.

Shari Franke: The Catalyst for Change

Shari Franke, the oldest daughter, was instrumental in bringing the abuse to light. She had been estranged from her mother for some time and was the one who publicly celebrated the news of her mother's arrest, stating that "today has been a big day" and that her family was "safe." Shari has since become an advocate for her younger siblings, working to mend her relationship with her father, Kevin, and attending therapy to process the trauma. She has also shared her experiences, detailing the abuse in a memoir, highlighting her role in contacting Child Protective Services (CPS) to help her siblings.

Chad Franke: Breaking the Silence

Chad Franke, the oldest son, also spoke out alongside his father, Kevin, following the scandal. Chad had previously been the subject of public concern due to his living situation and treatment documented on the "8 Passengers" channel, leading to a "Free Chad" movement among viewers. As an adult, Chad is not subject to the formal custody order but has publicly expressed his close bond with his siblings and his father, indicating a unified front in their recovery from the abuse.

The Long Road to Recovery for the Franke Children

The current custody arrangement, which grants Kevin Franke sole custody of the minor children, is considered a major step toward providing a stable and safe environment for the Franke family. The children's journey is a long-term process of healing from the trauma inflicted by their mother and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

The family's recovery is being handled privately, away from the glare of the YouTube cameras that once documented their lives. The Juvenile Court system has ensured that the children are protected, and Kevin Franke's full custody status means he can now focus entirely on their psychological and physical well-being. The public and the court system are hopeful that the children, with the support of their father and older siblings, can finally find peace and stability after years of documented abuse under the guise of "parenting advice." The case remains a stark warning about the dangers lurking behind the curated world of family vlogging.

who has custody of ruby franke's children
who has custody of ruby franke's children

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