Key Points:
- Good American Family dramatizes the true story of Natalia Grace Barnett, an orphan with a rare form of dwarfism.
- Natalia currently lives with the DePaul family in New York after leaving her previous guardians, the Mans family, in late 2023.
- She is working on her GED and pursuing a future as a teacher while adjusting to adult life.
Hulu’s Good American Family brings the real-life story of Natalia Grace Barnett to the screen, shedding light on her adoption and tumultuous upbringing. The eight-episode limited series follows Natalia’s experiences with the Barnett family and her subsequent transition to the Mans family. However, Natalia’s journey did not end there. Since then, she has moved on, seeking stability and independence. Here’s an update on where Natalia Grace is now and how her life has evolved after the events depicted in the show.
Natalia Grace’s Current Life After Good American Family: Living with the DePaul Family
Natalia Grace left behind her childhood home in 2023, moving away from Cynthia and Antwon Mans after conflicts over control and independence. In December 2023, she was taken in by Nicole and Vince DePaul, a couple from New York who had originally attempted to adopt her 14 years prior. The DePauls described their decision to take Natalia in as a rescue mission, citing concerns over her well-being in the Mans household.
In an interview with People magazine published in January 2025, Natalia expressed mixed emotions about leaving the Mans family. While she acknowledged their love for her, she also highlighted the challenges she faced, including restrictions on her personal relationships. Despite the upheaval, Natalia appears to be settling into her new life, surrounded by people who support her desire for independence.
Before Good American Family dramatized her life, Natalia’s story was explored in the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace. The three-season series, currently available on Max, delves into the controversies surrounding her adoption, abandonment, and subsequent legal battles. The first two seasons covered her time with the Barnetts and Manses, while the third season, released in early 2025, documented her transition to the DePauls.
The intense public interest in Natalia’s story raises the possibility of additional documentary episodes in the future. With unresolved aspects of her legal status and personal journey still unfolding, it remains to be seen whether more coverage will be produced.
Natalia Grace’s Legal Status: Recent Developments
Natalia’s legal battle has taken a significant turn. On March 22, 2025, a court legally restored her birth date to September 4, 2003, confirming that she was a minor at the time of her adoption by the Barnetts. This ruling directly contradicts the 2012 court decision that had legally reclassified her as an adult.
With her age now officially restored, Natalia is pursuing legal action to recover financial assets she claims were mishandled during her time with the Mans family. She has also secured legal representation to ensure her rights are protected moving forward. The renewed attention from Good American Family has further amplified discussions surrounding her case.
Challenges Natalia Faced After Leaving the Mans Family
Living with the Mans family presented significant challenges for Natalia. Allegations surfaced that she was subjected to restrictive and controlling behavior, particularly concerning her personal relationships. Reports from neighbors and friends suggested that Natalia was physically mistreated, including instances of being locked in a room or punished harshly.
By late 2023, tensions reached a breaking point. A recorded phone conversation reportedly captured Antwon Mans stating, “We’re done with her,” in reference to Natalia. After this, she made the decision to leave and seek a new support system. Despite the strained relationship, Natalia has publicly stated that she believes the Mans family still loves her, though she has chosen to move forward with the DePauls.
Now 21 years old, Natalia is focusing on building a stable and independent life. She is currently working on her General Educational Development (GED) certificate, a crucial step toward her goal of becoming a teacher. Her experience helping to raise younger children in the Mans household inspired her passion for working with kids, and she hopes to turn that passion into a career.
In addition to her education, Natalia is learning to drive and maintaining a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend. She has expressed optimism about her future, emphasizing that she is focused on healing and moving past the traumatic experiences of her childhood.
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