If you’ve followed the Teen Mom franchise for any length of time, you know the name Jace Evans. He's been on our screens since he was a literal newborn in a striped onesie. Honestly, watching Jace grow up has felt like watching a slow-motion car crash at times, mixed with genuine moments of hope.
The story of jace teen mom fans have followed is not just a reality TV plotline. It is a complex, often heartbreaking saga of custody battles, public outbursts, and a kid just trying to find some solid ground. It’s a lot.
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People always ask the same thing: Is he okay? Where is he living now? Who actually has him? As of early 2026, the answers are finally becoming a bit clearer, even if the road to get here was incredibly messy.
The Long Road Back to North Carolina
For the longest time, Jace lived with his grandmother, Barbara Evans. We all remember those screaming matches in the kitchen between Jenelle and "Babs." Then, in early 2023, things shifted. Jenelle finally regained full custody of Jace after thirteen years. It was supposed to be the "happy ending" she’d been posting about for a decade.
It wasn't.
Within months, the situation spiraled. Jace ran away multiple times. There were police calls and a high-profile CPS investigation involving Jenelle’s now-ex-husband, David Eason. By the summer of 2025, Jace was sent to Florida to live with his biological father, Andrew Lewis.
That didn't stick either.
Jenelle recently admitted that the Florida arrangement was a "fiasco." Jace eventually moved back to North Carolina, and by late 2025, he was officially back under Barbara’s roof. It’s a full-circle moment that many fans find bittersweet. He’s 16 now. He’s nearly an adult.
What Most People Get Wrong About Jace's Current Situation
There’s a huge misconception that Jace is just a "rebellious teen." That’s a massive oversimplification. You have to look at the context. This is a kid who has dealt with ADHD, depression, and what Jenelle described as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
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Living in the public eye while dealing with those diagnoses is a nightmare.
Most people think the drama is just for the cameras. It’s not. In August 2025, Jace actually leaked text messages between him and his mother. They were brutal. He called her unstable; she responded with some very choice words that no kid should ever hear from a parent.
This led to a major fallout where Jace claimed Jenelle blocked him on social media. Imagine being 16, struggling with your mental health, and your primary parent blocks you after a public spat. It's heavy stuff.
The Shift to Stability
Despite the chaos of the last two years, the latest updates on Jace Evans are actually... kind of great?
According to reports from late 2025, Jace is thriving back in North Carolina with Barbara. He’s not just sitting around. Here is what's actually happening in his life right now:
- He has a job. This is a huge step for a kid who spent years in a state of flux.
- Online school is the move. He's staying on top of his education through an online curriculum, which likely helps avoid the distractions of a traditional high school environment given his fame.
- Probation is being handled. Following some of the legal hiccups in Nevada and North Carolina, Jace is reportedly keeping up with all his requirements and drug tests.
- He’s a driver. Jace has been practicing for his license. Jenelle even noted he’s a natural because of all the years he spent on dirt bikes and four-wheelers.
The Relationship with Jenelle in 2026
Where does that leave his mom? Jenelle Evans and Jace have a relationship that is, basically, "complicated."
In October 2025, Jenelle did an Instagram Q&A where she said she was "proud" of him. She claimed he was doing very well. This came after she visited North Carolina to see her mother, Barbara, who has been dealing with her own health issues.
But there’s a catch.
While Jenelle posts positive updates, Jace’s own social media presence tells a slightly more guarded story. He’s posted about "sleeping peacefully" knowing he’s done all he can, which many interpreted as him finally letting go of the guilt of the family drama.
He seems to be choosing peace over the "land" or the reality TV spotlight.
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Breaking the Generational Cycle
The real story of jace teen mom viewers should care about isn't the gossip. It’s the cycle. We’ve watched three generations of this family struggle with the same patterns of volatile relationships and public screaming matches.
Jace being 16 and holding down a job while staying out of the headlines is a massive win.
He’s at an age where he can see the toxicity for what it is. Fans have been incredibly supportive on Reddit and TikTok, mostly hoping he can just be a "normal" teenager for the next two years until he hits 18.
Is he "cured" of the trauma? Probably not. That takes years of therapy. But he is in a stable environment with the woman who raised him for the first 13 years of his life.
What’s Next for Jace?
As Jace nears his 17th birthday, the focus has shifted from "who has custody" to "what does his future look like."
He’s interested in skateboarding. He’s working. He’s driving. These are the mundane milestones of a healthy adolescence that he was previously denied because of the constant moving and the presence of David Eason in the home.
If you’re looking for a takeaway from the Jace Evans saga, it’s this: stability matters more than "winning" a custody battle. Barbara might not be a perfect parent, but for Jace, she represents the only consistent home base he’s ever had.
Next Steps for Followers:
- Focus on the kids, not the drama: When following updates, look for news regarding Jace’s school and work milestones rather than just the latest social media feud between Jenelle and Barbara.
- Respect the boundaries: Jace is still a minor. While he occasionally posts updates, the most helpful thing fans can do is support his privacy as he navigates his final years of high school.
- Check the source: Be wary of TikTok "insiders." Stick to verified interviews or direct posts from the family to avoid the misinformation that often surrounds the Evans family.