What Happened to Natalia Graces Parents? Where Are Natalia Graces Parents Now?

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Natalia Grace Barnett is a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism, who was adopted by an American family, but later abandoned by them.

What Happened to Natalia Grace’s Parents?

Following the controversy surrounding Natalia Grace’s age, her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett, were forced to deal with the legal fallout. Although Natalia’s birth year was legally changed from 2003 to 1989, a DNA test eventually revealed that she was actually around 9 or 10 years old when she was abandoned in Lafayette, Indiana.

Michael was charged with child neglect in September 2019, and his charges were later dropped in February 2022. Kristine was found not guilty of the remaining charges, and Michael was found not guilty of neglect causing bodily injury in October 2022.

Following their divorce in 2020, Michael and Kristine Barnett now split their time between Indiana and Florida. The documentary series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks” delves into the controversial allegations regarding Natalia’s age and behavior, which shaped the intricate legal proceedings.

Where Are Natalia Grace’s Parents Now?

Natalia Grace’s adoptive parents, Kristine and Michael Barnett, had a difficult road that ended in divorce in 2020. The Barnetts’ contention that Natalia, a girl of Ukrainian descent, was an adult with psychiatric problems rather than a child brought her international attention and resulted in legal disputes.

Michael still resides in Indiana, but Kristine is currently a resident of Florida. After leaving Natalia behind in 2022, Michael was charged with neglect; however, four counts were later dropped, and he was ultimately found not guilty.

The complicated tale of the family is uncovered in the 2023 documentary series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks,” in which Natalia confronts her adoptive parents, revealing their tumultuous relationship and the accusations leveled against her.

The Barnetts’ turbulent divorce and legal disputes are part of their turbulent aftermath, and Natalia now resides with her new adoptive family, the Manns, who are highlighted in the series. Kristine’s charges were dropped in March 2023.

Who is Natalia Grace?

American-Ukrainian Natalia Grace Barnett is a dwarf. After being taken in by an American family, she was abandoned. The narrative of Natalia became the subject of TV shows such as “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” (2023–2024) and the soon-to-be Hulu series “Untitled Orphan Project.” Natalia’s life sparked public interest because of the unusual circumstances surrounding her adoption and subsequent abandonment, even though her birthdate was uncertain.

“The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks,” a television series that premieres in 2023–2024, provides insight into her mysterious journey. It is anticipated that the untitled Hulu project will delve deeper into Natalia’s fascinating life narrative.

Natalia Grace’s Early Life

Born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Natalia Grace Barnett was the daughter of Anna Volodymyrivna Gava. Natalia was sent to an orphanage in Ukraine after she was born. She was identified as having spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare kind of dwarfism, at a young age.

Natalia’s unique journey began with this condition, which shaped her early experiences. Her subsequent adoption by an American family and subsequent abandonment brought attention to her story, which was then the subject of television shows delving into the mysteries surrounding her life.

Natalia Grace Adoption

In the spring of 2010, adoptee Natalia Grace Barnett found her forever home with Kristine and Michael Barnett after coming to the United States. Natalia had been adopted and placed in the United States before coming to live with the Barnett family. She had also been temporarily placed there.

She became officially known as Natalia Grace Barnett after being adopted by the Barnett family. Even though her experiences in the future would draw attention to and scrutinize her story, this adoption represented a new chapter in her life, where she joined a loving family in the United States.

Natalia Grace Forsaking

When Kristine and Michael Barnett, Natalia Grace Barnett’s adoptive parents, legally altered her birth certificate in 2012 to reflect a 1989 birth date rather than her actual birth date of 2003, her story took a convoluted turn.

Her age changed from 8 to 22 as a result. Natalia was left alone when the Barnetts moved to an apartment in Indiana and then moved to Canada. Natalia was abandoned, but Antwon and Cynthia Mans saw her struggles and took her in. Michael Barnett was acquitted of charges of neglect against the Barnett family.

Through DNA testing, prosecutors were able to identify Natalia’s biological mother in Ukraine and establish her actual birthdate. The neglect case concentrated on her disability rather than age, even though there was evidence to support her minor status when abandoned.

After watching the movie “Orphan,” the Barnetts said Natalia lied about her age, but later on, those who looked after her denied this. A 2019 Dr. Phil episode brought Natalia’s life to the public’s attention, and she was later featured in the 2023 television series “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace” and an upcoming Hulu project.

What Happened to Natalia Grace’s Parents – FAQs

Do you remember your first pubes?
I do, cuz my mom straight up kicked me out and moved to Canada!!!

— Natalia Grace (@ImNataliaGrace) October 2, 2019

Where are Natalia Grace’s adoptive parents now?

Following their 2020 divorce, Kristine now resides in Florida, while Michael is still in Indiana.

What legal consequences did the Barnetts face for changing Natalia’s birth records?

In 2019, Michael and Kristine were accused of child neglect; however, the charges were later dropped due to inconsistencies.

How old was Natalia Grace during her period of living alone in Indiana?

According to Natalia’s DNA test, she was abandoned in Lafayette alone when she was nine or ten years old.

What led to the Barnetts’ adoption of Natalia Grace?

In 2010, the Barnett family adopted Natalia, a dwarf Ukrainian girl who attracted attention from the media because of her extraordinary circumstances.

Why did the Barnetts claim Natalia was older and legally changed her age?

Due to their alleged threats and sociopathic behavior, her birth certificate was legally altered to reflect her 1989 birth year.

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