Lawyer Reacts: Kevin Franke Files for Divorce From 8 Passengers Mom + Should Law Block Life Coaches? 

The fact that he was willing to put his daughter in jail is a major red flag for me.

The police cam footage/audio of him trying to press charges against his oldest daughter for “burglarizing” his home was very damning and telling.

Even if he didnt have to do anything with the abuse, he still abandoned his kids .

This divorce shows me he is trying to distance himself from the abuse, but he is just as complicit in the abuse of his children way before Jodie was on the scene? That includes his child watching porn on his laptop etc! His reaction to his daughter taking stuff from the house for the siblings is just a tip of the iceberg of his true character

I find it almost implausible that both parents either participated or at the very least looked the other way while the abuse was happening. Not being with your spouse or co-parent does NOT change your RESPONSIBILITY as a parent to protect, care, and advocate for your children!

He should have filed years ago. They should NOT give him custody of the minor children. He was right there beside her on all the videos humiliating and disparaging his children. He joined in on that abuse.

As a licensed mental health professional, yes “life coaches” are a huge problem. There is no set requirements, licensing, ethical rules, or investigation/complaint/enforcement oversight for the profession. Your hair stylist should not have higher requirements to be employed than your “life coach.” They don’t need to be eliminated, but there does need to be organization and basic training requirements so we know these people have some kind of basic knowledge of when a client’s issues is actually a mental health or psychiatric problem. Plus it does offer some basic safety net for the public. Right now you have no way to complain until/unless they obviously break the law… that leaves a lot of ethical issues they can do and get away with. That’s the dangerous part here.

It looks like he is protecting his assets from her lawyers.

I watched their channel several years ago and they were abusive before this Hildebrand came on seen. They took doors off their bedrooms, beds away and even when the little ones forgot their lunches she wouldn’t take them to them. That was their fault and they could just be hungry. All of the kids imo have been abused their whole lives. Neither one deserves custody.

Kevin, was around the children at home for years. He went right along with Ruby. Obviously he never tried to stop her behavior and the punishments for the children.😢

Kevin is trying to do public damage control for the custody case. Too little, too late, imo. He knew for years the emotional and physical punishments going on well before Jodi entered the picture.

He has some responsibility here. To let a "counselor" keep him from his kids for that long is nuts. I have little respect for him and he needs to be looked at for sure.

I am still not convinced that the father doesn’t have some culpability in the criminal case. Thank you Peter for continuing to cover various aspects of these cases. 💗

There were too many years that he was living at home while these punishments went on. I think it is a ploy to get the kids.

I remember when my neighbor sharon glass got 40 years for child abuse for being the girlfriend of the man who was abusing his son and this was in Florida and on the news. So saying that the mother might get leniency because the family counselor influenced her doesn't make sense to me.

As someone who is LICENSED in the state of Utah to do marriage and family therapy- I really hope they freaking pass something to limit people who are coaches and try to give advice like this!! Absolutely ridiculous it hasn’t been done sooner.

What I am still trying to get my head around is that Kevin wasn't in contact with the kids. He and Ruby weren't divorced. It seems he lived separately and let Ruby have the kids, sort of washed his hands of them. Ruby may be a villain; but, so is Kevin.

Yes BUT Ruby AND her husband are on video LONG BEFORE they even met Jody torturing their own children. Then i think they met Jody who blew everything up. THIS HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE BOTH GUILTY OF CHILD ABUSE. WHY has the father not been charged. And wanting to have his oldest daughter arrested?? That shows his actual character. No, this guy is definitely up to some sort of trickery.

I think he's doing it to save face. Probably to also save some of their assets. He's far from innocent, regardless of Jodi's involvement. These behaviors were going on before and the way he wanted his oldest arrested speaks volumes. What was he afraid would be seen on those devices?

I think there should be a restriction of use for terms like “certified” “licensed” and “registered” to describe unregulated professions. It gives the impression that they are following some sort of standardized program that they were taught and should be able to trust. And if you are presenting yourself as a licences therapist AND life coach it confuses the two roles. And generally they tag the lifecoach on because they are doing things that therapists are not allowed to ethically. If you want to totally forsake your degree and licensing then say you are a life coach….go for it. But if you use your degree and licence to bolster your “life coach” status then that should not be allowed.

I think he’s tying to save his own butt!! There are multiple videos out there of him being fine with using the kids not getting food as punishment. He’s been right there for years of mistreatment of those kids. He walked away from them, didn’t see or talk to his kids for 13 month because someone told him to. You couldn’t keep me away from my kids!! He tried to have his oldest arrested. He’s not a good person and not a good father. He’s just trying to save his own skin at this point.

I think he’s doing this to get custody of the children and to protect himself from potential prosecution

I'm coming out of an incredibly dark time in my life. I've relied a lot on mental health professionals to be able to recover. I also consider myself incredible fortunate to have family to support and to have dealt with professionals who, to me, were good at what they do. What scares me about Life Coaches is how closely they are positioned to people in very vulnerable states. It would have taken someone next-to no effort to manipulate me into doing what or being who they wanted. Anyone can get or give advice, that's not the issue for me. For someone to be able to advertise themselves as a "Life Coach" and be in a position to take advantage of or manipulate the vulnerable with absolutely no oversight is a scary thing for me. Yes, if a Life Coach operates in a way that is provably illegal, then we have laws to punish that, but there's a lot of damage that can be done before getting to that point.

I think he is looking to protect himself and keep kids from talking to others

At best, Kevin is guilty of neglect. He was in the house when Ruby was abusive on her RU-vid channel, so IMO he’s also guilty of abuse. It’s very difficult to believe that he was trying to save his family unit by having no contact in over a year. And, Ruby told him everything was better without him in the home. That’s just unrealistic.

I thought Jodi was referred by the Mormon Bishops quite frequently. This would probably give validation to her expertise. Heardvthis from her Neice and on Morman Stories.

My first thought is the husband is heading the divorce route to protect his financial interests and to give him better standing on the child custody. However, he is thankfully being advised by a lawyer and hopefully his legal team is helping to get his priorities straight.

I believe that Jody is still manipulating their marriage and their family behind bars. Anyone that would go 14 months without seeing his children qould do whatever else she suggested doing.

“Life Coaches” and their ilk should be required to have disclaimers basically saying “use at your own risk”.

I don’t think there need to be regulations for „Life Coaches“ but certainly for „Mental Health Coaches“ or how they name it. People should still do their own research and use their common sense (or brain). If a Life Coach tells me I should abuse my children, I terminate the coaching immediately. And this wasn’t only Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke gave the same advice. I should always be able (and responsible) to questioning someone’s advice. Jodi WAS licensed and she was still able to give horrible advice. Because of LDS and the mormon community.

Kevin is playing a game, he is trying to get the kids IMO. My problem with that is he stood by while living in the home & let those kids be neglected at the very least. I say that because there is video proof of it.

I grew up with parents that used religion to justify controlling every inch of my life. They also had a horrible, horrible marriage and depending on who was venting "privately" to a friend, the story easily morphed from my mom trapped in a loveless, controlling marriage to an angry man she didn't have the resources to get away from (even though she controlled the finances without any oversight and easily squirrelled away funds for herself whenever she wanted to purchase something big) to my dad hanging in there for the kids, stuck with a cold, manipulative, angry woman. In reality, they were both abusive. Both concocting convoluted standards of "discipline" for us kids. And the goal posts moved depending on which kid it was and how stressed or needing to vent the parent involved was. We were their showpieces in public and their punching bags in private. All of this to say, I do not trust Kevin Franke one bit. Not one bit. If they had a pet, I wouldn't give the pet back into his care. Maybe if he saw a licensed therapist and acknowledged that he participated in the culture of abuse and control in the house and he took strategic steps to address why he'd done that and how he'd make sure he wouldn't fall back into old patterns. I'm not saying that what happened to him with this church counselor was okay - he was a victim there. But the things happening in that house were not just the dream child of Ruby. He participated in it, he believe in it. He's still trying to patch as many holes in the ship as possible and he's retaliating against his oldest daughter who has dared to air the family dirty laundry. He's still a controlling monster. This divorce is just another pantomine meant to mimic what he thinks a "good father" would do, not realizing it's too little and too late. I hope to god the courts see through him and keep those poor children safe.

We know that years ago when Ruby and Kevin sent their eldest son, Chad Franke, to a wilderness retreat, they used Jodi Hildebrandt as a therapist for him for ongoing counseling which was done remotely. We don’t know if Jodi was treating Ruby and Kevin at that point, or any of the other kids. We also know that Jodi used to be Ruby’s brother’s counsellor. That was spoken about in a video one of Ruby’s sisters put out about all of what’s going on. I just wanted to point that out since it was discussed around the 35:00 mark.

‼️‼️”Life Coach” is one thing, “Certified” implies Licensure‼️‼️

I feel like they’re trying to refocus on blaming Hildebrand for everything as a way of getting out from any responsibility. They were mistreating those kids long before she entered the scene and knowing who she was, he left those kids for over a year with their mother and clearly under her influence. He was the first person the mother called when the shit hit the fan. I do not trust him AT ALL

Let's all take a little personal responsibility to choose who we perceive as experts. I'm always of the mindset that just because someone calls themselves a title like "life coach", doesn't make it so.

We have had a few young men "elders" come to our house. These men are detached from society. Its sad. One of the men was so fascinated with my grandsons remote control car. It was so sad.

Hi! I watch you quite frequently on RU-vid. Very informative, I learn from you. Thank you! About this Franke thing. I live in Utah, I'm not LDS. Our history, heritage, and law are very heavily influenced by our LDS history. We often reach out to our lawmakers here for all kinds of reasons. Our lawmakers respond to us. It's not at all unusual for a constituant - Mr Franke - to have a chinwag with his elected representative - the state Senator. Keep doing the good work you do, and thank you for being willing to gain an understanding of how Utah may approach things a bit differently than other places. FYI - I had the privilege of being a jury foreman in January- 5 felonies. I'd be glad to have a one on one chat with you about my experience if you may find that useful. Merry Christmas 🎄

As a person who has taken counseling and has a degree in Psych and Ed, I agree with the news guy that the whole thing should be helping people to sort out their individual thoughts and needs not decide who is right or wrong in the relationship.

I heard they have been separated for a year. It wouldn’t affect my decision about her but apparently he wasn’t a good father either and neglected his children.

Kevin was in many, many videos where yhe abuse was taking place front & center. I don't trust Kevin after he tried to have his daughter arrested.

He’s not some innocent party, he’s just trying to save face as much as he can.

In the end, parents have to be held responsible for the parental decisions that injure or neglect children.

I have no idea why life coaches are so unregulated in the states. In Canada there seems to be stricter/tighter enforcement for people who are openly providing these services/if they are even allowed to at all. I 100% think 'life coaches' should be disallowed from practicing and have current individuals obtain proper certification if they choose to follow higher education in a regulated area or field.

Thanx Peter for all your time & law answers & education! I hope you are well & taking time for yourself.❤

Wow a screen of 3 smart, good looking men! Not a bad lunch break!

IMO this is CYA mode for Kevin. We’ve heard he was doing everything Jodi & Ruby wanted him to do because he wanted to save his marriage. Now… he can say, “see… I divorced her… I didn’t know this stuff was going on… I am fit to have custody of my kid….” He was going right along with all the crazy child rearing until Ruby kicked him out.

Peter!…What is UP? I live in a northern state, have 14” of snow on the ground right now, and even WE don’t wear fleece like that indoors! Must be COLD in FL! Stay warm! ❄️❄️❄️ I really appreciate your videos and livestreams!

Good coverage and perspective. As an "unregulated" professional, it's important to represent yourself, your training and experience honestly and transparent. I love what I do to support others, but those with graduate degrees who are part of à regulatory body have other ideas. It's about liability too.

I do think life experience does count for something. Plus like Peter says.... the people that want to still help "coach" people will just call themselves a different name if Life Coaches need to be licensed. Kinda like when you get a "handyman" to do plumming or contracting. He's not a licensed plummer or contractor, but he might still have the experience to do a great job. On the other hand.... if you're going to hire someone unlicensed, you better do your homework

I appreciate the points you make. They help me think more abstractly about what the broader picture of how laws work/would work.

When i think of life coach i think of soc services teaching skills like cleaning or parenting etc

JH is absolutely guilty on the damage she caused to her clients. RF is guilty of abuse, neglect and abandonment of her children. If parents choose medical quavers to treat physical ailments in their children and the children are harmed the parents are liable. Same for behavioural or psychological ailments. Although I highly doubt there was anything wrong with the children. And any life-time therapy the children will require is from the life long abuse that RF inflicted on them. 😡

So he thinks that divorce is going to exonerate him from being neglectful to his children while they were being abused? I think not!

Life coaches should be certified and have educational requirements like therapists. The reason the profession has blown up with every social media proclaimed guru offering life coaching is because there are no regulations. You wouldn't use a surgeon who didn't have the education, training, and licensing to perform surgery.

There should be some rules to be a "life Coach" .

Peter, it is my understanding that there is a court order preventing a victim of Jodi Hildebrant, Adam Stead from discussing his abuse. Why is this allowed?

I think he knows more and was more involved than he let's on. So, I think this is clearly to help himself. He also should have tried to get the kids out of there while they were separated.

Yes! So many people are calling themselves a”life coach “ with zero qualifications

Life coaches are to the mental health profession what Uber is to transportation. It might be mostly okay, but when it's bad it's horrid.

But with lawyers and therapists they have boards you can reach out if there is an ethics violation.

Hello everyone 👋👋👋👋. I’m on the rewatch crew due to just getting home from work!!!!

My BIL became a 'life coach' online while being housebound with depression for 10 years. I love him dearly, but it's just ridiculous that he could help anyone.

This: “Filing for divorce when there is a criminal charge on the horizon also serves as financial protection in several ways: All marital assets are divided before a criminal conviction. The innocent spouse gets his or her share of the marital estate before legal fees begin to drain the assets.”

Utah lawyer here. 👋 The domestic relations injunction that you covered was not stipulated to by the parties. It is auto-generated and entered by the court any time a divorce initiated.

I don’t consider calling her an abuser as disparaging, IF it’s true!

Greatly appreciate your perspective re education!

You are so funny! Visiting Iowa until after the first of the year. Gives new meaning to cold 😂

As someone near Tampa, it was extremely cold until like 12 pm then it felt nice! But people make fun of Florida cold

Peter, that jacket looks so cozy but I didn't realize it was that cold in Fla? lol

I dont think he can be trusted w the kids.

In Utah Jodie had the only qualifications she needed - recommendations from the LDS church.

Thank you for covering this. These poor kids omg

I am a certified coach in South Africa. I have a degree in Industrial Psychology and was in the corporate executive world for 20 years+ I coached many people over the years informally but since getting the qualification it provides you with the ethical and structural base to operate - way improving my ability to positively impact lives.

I started the live from beginning since I was late but I love your snuggly zip up!!!

Appreciate your channel and views.

My perspective on Ruby Franke is it’s to early to know. For me there isn’t enough information. I have a thousand questions running through my mind that I’d like answers to before I make any evaluation. I agree with you and your opinion. It should be up to the individual who and where they go for help. I found it interesting you said you wouldn’t go to a Dr that didn’t go to med school but many people choose to see whole medicine drs. Not my choice but who am I to say they can’t? I think people need to be accountable for their own lives and keep the government out of individual family choices.

Peter I want to thank you for what you said about people without college degrees - it actually made me tear up a bit. I struggled with severe social anxiety and didn’t get to college until I was 22. I had a 4.0 GPA for the almost two years I was there…and then I got pregnant lol so completing college did not happen for me. I’m 40 now and feel embarrassed at times to not have some official document that declares, “she knows things! She’s pretty smart!” It can be a significant road block in the world. It helps to hear someone say, “people can be smart without a college degree. Education is important (I absolutely agree) but it’s not the only thing.” Thank you for that. ❤

ah.... yes .. not involved separated & now divorcing.. let's put as much distance as possible one little problem HE'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET . . INVOLVED 😬

Kevin was ok for not seeing his children for 13 months? That on its own is terrible!

In my opinion Jodie has a part in what happened HOWEVER Ruby had the kids in her custody. You couldn’t convince me to do what allegedly happened to those kids to my kids. As the mother, who had the kids in her custody, what happened makes me sick.

A lot of MLMs are based in Utah that consider their consultants coaches of some kind. It will be heavily lobbied against, so I can't see the legislation getting very far there.

Mr. Grande don’t want no smoke from anywhere. They had already been split, but his treatment towards his adult daughter says all I need to know about him. But whatever, drama drama drama

I don't think that therapists who lost their license to practice should be allowed to become a "life coach." They lost their license for a reason.

Thanks!

I agree with you on this point of not over licensing different businesses like a life coach. Yes the laws on place regulate this. Especially when it comes to different belief systems people have.

I think anyone who claims to be a "professional" therapist, life coach, etc., needs to be regulated somehow. When a person is giving advice that affects the physical, mental, and emotional welfare of a child, they need to held to a higher standard than just a friend offering advice. For example, telling a husband to excommunicate from their children and wife when there's no grounds for such an extreme decision can harm the children. If a professional has made strange/extreme demands, they're probably telling other clients to drink the same Kool-aid.

I don’t understand why the father hasn’t been more vocal or involved with regard to this case and his children.

Didnt Ruby say her son watched porn and abused other kids at like the age of 3? Kevin was there then. The emotional abuse was happening way before he left. The physical abuse may not have been something he did but he definitely is very emotionally abusive. Many women in DV say the emotional abuse is worse than the physical abuse. They say they would rather get hit than suffer the emotional abuse. I don’t think social workers consider that in their decisions to remove children.

Haha not surprised to see you in a jacket! I’m in Delray Beach and it has been chilly the last few days 🥶🥶🥶

This is crazy... How can I receive a notification saying this is going live within minutes. I click on and get settled and I look at comments and some of them say from an hour ago ??????

When Jodi Hildebrant lost her therapist license years ago, she simply changed her business card to life coach and continued right on. Jodi actually trained other life coaches. And was very involved in helping the Mormon church establish their own 12 step program for alcoholism.

So doctors, lawyers, and psychologists all having licensing boards that help regulate someone’s behavior. You can face board sanctions even if you don’t do anything criminal. I think something similar for life coaches would not be a bad thing.

My first thought when I heard was “oh oh”.

My issue is he just now files for divorce?

He just wants to distance himself to minimize his guilt. In my opinion this doesn't make him less culpable

I use to be one of the top advocates for single moms in Utah. The verbage in this petition , especially the disparaging of the other parent, is standard language in Utah for divorce petitions.

Problem was they were charging people for services that were recommended by their church.

You are amazing!

Thank you Petter for this break down. The best for the child...this mormom church teaching on life an family needs to be held responsiable for the damage just not the law alone. Change the church change the law ....⁷