Kristine Barnett, formerly married to Michael Barnett, became widely known due to the controversial adoption case of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian girl with dwarfism. The Barnetts adopted Natalia in 2010, believing she was a child, but later suspected she was an adult pretending to be a minor. In 2012, they legally changed Natalia's birth year from 2003 to 1989, making her legally 22 years old. Subsequently, in 2013, they moved Natalia into her own apartment in Indiana and relocated to Canada without her, effectively leaving her alone
. The Barnetts faced legal charges in 2019 for neglecting Natalia, but Michael was acquitted in 2022, and charges against Kristine were dropped in 2023
. Natalia later took a DNA test during the 2024 ID docuseries "The Curious Case of Natalia Grace," which confirmed she was approximately 22 years old at that time, supporting the Barnetts' claim that she was older than initially believed
. Kristine has consistently denied allegations of abuse and neglect. She described Natalia as a "very much loved and cared for member" of her family and called abuse claims "just plain false." Kristine also labeled Natalia a "sociopath" who manipulates others and denied any physical abuse, stating that any discipline was minimal and within normal parenting bounds
. She did not participate in the docuseries and has expressed frustration on social media about public reactions, accusing critics of bullying her
. Kristine and Michael Barnett divorced in 2018, following a separation around 2013-2014. Michael has claimed in interviews and the docuseries that Kristine was manipulative and abusive toward him, while Kristine has denied these claims
. As of recent reports, Kristine Barnett was last known to be living in Indiana, though her exact current location is unclear, and she has stated that the allegations have negatively impacted her career as a parenting author and consultant
. In summary, Kristine Barnett is no longer married to Michael Barnett, has denied all abuse allegations, had charges against her dropped, and remains a controversial figure due to the complex and highly publicized case involving Natalia Grace
