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The Unbelievable True Story: 5 Major Updates On Where Natalia Grace Is Now In 2025

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The bizarre and deeply unsettling case of Natalia Grace, the Ukrainian orphan adopted by an Indiana couple who later claimed she was an adult sociopath masquerading as a child, remains one of the most compelling true-crime stories of the last decade. The saga, documented in the explosive series *The Curious Case of Natalia Grace* and its follow-up, *Natalia Speaks*, has captivated global audiences, leaving many to wonder about the fate of the young woman at its center.

As of December 2025, the most current information reveals that Natalia Grace is living a stable, private life focused on her education and future, finally finding a sense of normalcy after years of intense legal and media scrutiny. Her legal age has been restored, and she is now under the care of a supportive family. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date answers on her whereabouts, legal status, and the final outcomes for the Barnett family.

Natalia Grace: Biographical Profile and Case Timeline

Natalia Grace is a Ukrainian-born woman with a rare form of dwarfism called Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita. Her life story became a global headline due to the extraordinary claims made by her adoptive parents, Michael and Kristine Barnett.

  • Full Name: Natalia Vadymivna Gava (Legally changed to Natalia Grace Barnett upon adoption)
  • Date of Birth: September 4, 2003 (Original and currently restored legal age)
  • Place of Birth: Mykolaiv, Ukraine
  • Condition: Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (a rare bone growth disorder resulting in dwarfism)
  • Adoption: Adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett in 2010 at what they believed was age six.
  • Age Change Petition: In 2012, the Barnetts successfully petitioned the Marion County Probate Court to legally change her age from 8 to 22, claiming she was an adult with ill intentions.
  • Abandonment/Neglect Charges: In 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia into an apartment in Lafayette, Indiana, and then moved to Canada, leading to neglect of a dependent charges against them in 2019.
  • Legal Outcome for Barnetts: Michael Barnett was found not guilty of neglect in 2022. Charges against Kristine Barnett were dismissed in 2023.
  • Current Status: Legally recognized as a young adult born in 2003 and living with the DePaul family.

The Definitive Answer: Where Natalia Grace Lives Now

After the sensational claims, legal battles, and the collapse of the Barnett family, Natalia Grace has finally found a stable and supportive environment. Her current life is a world away from the emotional turmoil documented in the media.

Natalia is currently living with the DePaul family in upstate New York. The DePauls, specifically Nicole and Vincent DePaul, are a couple who also have a form of dwarfism and had previously attempted to adopt Natalia during the height of the controversy.

The transition to the DePaul household began in 2023, following her time living with another family, the Manses. The DePauls are described as a supportive and loving family, providing Natalia with the stability she desperately needed.

In a significant and positive development, Natalia is actively pursuing her education. She is currently studying to obtain her GED (General Educational Development) certification. Her long-term goal is to become a teacher, a vocational path that suggests a desire to help others and build a constructive future.

Beyond her studies, Natalia is engaging in typical young adult activities. She is learning to drive, enjoys listening to artists like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, and is focused on moving forward with her life. Her life with the DePauls marks a profound shift from the instability she experienced for years, offering her a chance at a normal, fulfilling life.

The Legal Labyrinth: Age Restoration and Final Verdicts

The central, most bizarre element of the entire saga was the question of Natalia's true age. The Barnetts' claim that she was an adult psychopath led to a 2012 court order that legally changed her birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively making her 22 years old. This legal re-aging was the foundation for their claim that they were not abandoning a child, but rather an adult.

The Age Restoration

In a crucial legal victory for Natalia, her original birth year has been legally restored to 2003. This change officially confirms that she was indeed a child when the Barnetts adopted her and when they moved her into an apartment alone in 2013. This resolution was a major relief for Natalia, as it validated her own account and identity.

The Barnett Family's Legal Outcome

The Barnetts faced serious legal consequences for their actions. In 2019, Michael and Kristine Barnett were charged with neglect of a dependent. The outcomes of their respective cases were split:

  • Michael Barnett's Verdict: In October 2022, Michael Barnett was found not guilty of the three counts of neglect and conspiracy to commit neglect.
  • Kristine Barnett's Charges: In March 2023, the charges against Kristine Barnett were dismissed by the state.

Neither Michael nor Kristine Barnett served any jail time in connection with the case. The couple, who were already in the process of divorce when the charges were filed, finalized their divorce in 2018. Michael Barnett is reportedly living in Indiana, while Kristine Barnett, an author, is also moving on with her life.

Life After the Cameras: The DePaul Family and Future Plans

The DePaul family, who now care for Natalia, first appeared in the documentary series, showing their attempts to legally adopt her. Their connection with Natalia is rooted in shared experience; both Nicole and Vincent DePaul have dwarfism, providing an empathetic and understanding support system.

The environment with the DePauls is centered on nurturing Natalia's growth and independence. The focus is no longer on the age controversy or the chilling accusations of the past, but on providing a stable foundation for her future. Her aspirations to become a teacher highlight a desire for a professional career and a commitment to a positive path.

The entire case—from the adoption of a Ukrainian orphan to the shocking age change and subsequent criminal charges—has raised profound questions about the foster system, the complexities of international adoption, and the difficulty of determining a person's true age, especially in cases involving rare medical conditions like Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita. The public fascination with the case, fueled by the A&E and Discovery+ documentaries, continues because it touches on deep-seated fears and ethical quandaries.

The current reality for Natalia Grace is one of quiet determination. She is no longer the subject of a legal battle or a sensational media frenzy. She is a young adult, legally recognized as such, who is actively working towards her future goals, surrounded by a family that is committed to her well-being. This stability is the most significant and welcome update in her long, tumultuous story.

Key Entities and Topical Authority:

  • The Barnett Family: Michael Barnett, Kristine Barnett, adoptive parents who initiated the age change.
  • The DePaul Family: Nicole DePaul, Vincent DePaul, the current, supportive caregivers.
  • Medical Condition: Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (Spondylo), a form of dwarfism.
  • Legal Terms: Neglect of a dependent, Marion County Probate Court, age restoration.
  • Media Coverage: *The Curious Case of Natalia Grace*, *Natalia Speaks*, true-crime documentaries.
  • Geographical Locations: Ukraine (birth country), Indiana (Barnett residence), Upstate New York (current residence).
where is natalia grace now
where is natalia grace now

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