Kristine Barnett is a name many have come to recognize in recent years—both for her inspirational work as an advocate for children with disabilities and for her entanglement in one of the most unusual and publicized family legal cases in the United States. Best known for her book The Spark and her involvement in the Natalia Grace adoption case, Kristine Barnett Net Worth story is complex and multifaceted, encompassing family, fame, legal challenges, and advocacy.
Early Life and Career
Born in the United States, Kristine Barnett emerged as a notable TV personality and writer. She gained prominence through her work advocating for children with special needs, inspired largely by her own experiences raising a child with autism. Her passion for helping children led her to develop innovative teaching strategies, earning her both praise and media attention.
Kristine Barnett has three biological sons: Jacob, Wesley, and Ethan. Her eldest son, Jacob Barnett, born in 1998 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is especially well known. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Jacob defied expectations and became a prodigy in mathematics and theoretical physics. He studied at the prestigious Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics from 2013 to 2014 and continues to pursue work in the field of theoretical physics. His achievements were at the heart of Kristine’s 2013 memoir, The Spark, which details the unconventional methods she used to nurture Jacob’s exceptional intellect.
The Adoption of Natalia Grace
In 2010, Kristine and her then-husband Michael Barnett adopted Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian-born girl who was thought to be around six years old at the time. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the Barnetts claimed that Natalia was not a child but rather an adult woman masquerading as a minor. They later petitioned the court to legally change her birth year from 2003 to 1989, suggesting she was actually an adult.
This extraordinary claim led to a cascade of legal troubles. In 2019, Kristine and Michael Barnett faced eight felony charges each for neglecting a dependent. The charges stemmed from their decision to leave Natalia in a Lafayette, Indiana apartment and move to Canada with their biological children.
Kristine surrendered to authorities shortly after Michael in September 2019. The case drew national and international media attention, leading to two major media productions: the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace and the Hulu dramatization Good American Family, in which actress Ellen Pompeo portrays Kristine Barnett.
Mother of a Prodigy: Jacob Barnett
Perhaps Kristine’s most celebrated role came as the mother of Jacob Barnett, a child prodigy diagnosed with autism at an early age. Jacob surpassed medical predictions and rapidly advanced in math and physics. By the age of 15, Jacob was studying at the prestigious Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Canada. Now 26, Jacob is an accomplished astrophysicist with research interests in theoretical physics.
Kristine chronicled her journey with Jacob in the 2013 book, The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing Genius. The book earned critical acclaim and further established Kristine as an advocate for recognizing and nurturing the unique capabilities of children with developmental differences.
Legal Outcome and DNA Findings
Despite the serious allegations, neither Kristine nor Michael Barnett were convicted. In 2022, a court found Michael Barnett not guilty, and in 2023, authorities dropped the charges against Kristine Barnett. A pivotal moment came in August 2023 when a DNA test estimated Natalia Grace’s age to be about 22 at the time, meaning she was around 10 years old when the alleged abandonment occurred. While the findings didn’t result in convictions, they added new layers of controversy and debate to the story.
Life After the Trial
In 2025, Kristine Barnett remains a polarizing figure, but she continues her work as a writer and advocate. On her Facebook page, she refers to herself as an “Author, Loving Mother, Advocate for Children With Disabilities, Writer, & Activist.” In March 2024, she revealed her upcoming book titled Witch Hunt: The Kristine Barnett Story, which aims to tell her side of the events that turned her life upside down.
While Michael Barnett has since remarried and divorced multiple times, Kristine and Michael officially ended their marriage in 2018. The family, once based in Indiana, had moved to Canada in 2013, where they sought a fresh start amidst growing tensions and public scrutiny.
Natalia Grace’s Life Now
As of 2025, Natalia Grace is living with the DePauls, a family who took her in after she left the Mans family, who had previously adopted her. Reports suggest she receives about $800 a month in support.
Net Worth and Current Work
Kristine Barnett Net Worth is estimated to be around $5 million, much of it presumably earned through her books and media appearances. Her first book, The Spark, remains a celebrated piece in parenting and education circles, highlighting her creative approach to unlocking the potential of children with special needs.
Despite the setbacks and public controversies, Kristine has remained active in her mission to support children with disabilities. Her new book and continued advocacy work suggest she is not retreating from the spotlight but instead reclaiming her narrative.
Public Perception and Legacy
Kristine Barnett’s story is a blend of inspiration, controversy, and strength. While some view her as a dedicated mother who tried to do what was best for her children—particularly Jacob, the astrophysics prodigy—others see her as a central figure in a troubling case of alleged child neglect.
However, Kristine has said, “If there had been any abuse of Natalia or any evidence of it, I would have been found guilty of it and I would be in jail.” That assertion reflects her ongoing denial of wrongdoing and underscores the polarizing nature of the case.
Whatever one’s perspective, there is no denying that Kristine Barnett’s life continues to capture public interest. From her role as a mother of a genius to the legal battle that changed her life, she remains a subject of both admiration and scrutiny in the court of public opinion.