Paul Staehle and Karine Martins, once a flagship couple of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, are no longer together and continue to face significant legal and personal challenges as of 2026. Their journey has shifted from a televised international romance to a complex legal battle involving the loss of custody of their two children, Pierre and Ethan, to the American foster care system following years of domestic volatility and intervention from Child Protective Services (CPS).
The Origin of the Relationship: Before the 90 Days
The story of Paul Staehle and Karine Martins began in 2017 during the inaugural season of 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. Paul, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, traveled to Tonantins, a remote part of the Brazilian Amazon, to meet Karine for the first time. The relationship was immediately characterized by extreme logistical hurdles and a profound language barrier.
During their early seasons, the couple relied heavily on a translation app to communicate, a dynamic that often led to misunderstandings and heightened tension. Paul became known for his eccentric preparations, which included packing massive amounts of gear, wearing a cooling vest, and his infamous "run" into the woods after a difficult conversation. However, beneath the meme-worthy moments lay deeper issues regarding Paul’s past, including a criminal record involving arson and a permanent restraining order from a previous partner, which he eventually disclosed to Karine’s father.
Despite these red flags and initial skepticism from Karine’s family, the couple proceeded with their relationship. Their early years were a cycle of Paul traveling back and forth between the United States and Brazil, grappling with the financial demands of the K-1 visa process and his own difficulty maintaining steady employment.
Marriage and the Move to the United States
Paul and Karine officially married in Brazil in late 2017. Their transition into married life was fraught with immediate crises, including Karine suffering two miscarriages before the birth of their first son. These tragedies were documented on the show, highlighting the emotional strain on their union.
In 2019, the couple welcomed their first son, Pierre. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to the United States to attempt a life in Kentucky. The move did not bring the stability they hoped for. Paul struggled to provide a home that met Karine's expectations, and the cultural isolation Karine felt in rural Kentucky exacerbated their existing friction. By the time they appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?, the relationship had devolved into frequent arguments, many of which were captured by TLC cameras or broadcast by the couple themselves on social media.
The birth of their second son, Ethan, in 2021 occurred during a period of extreme instability. The couple frequently alternated between living in Brazil and the United States, often seemingly in response to looming legal issues or domestic disputes in one country or the other.
The Escalation of Legal Turmoil and Domestic Violence Allegations
The most significant turning point for Paul and Karine occurred in mid-2020. A domestic dispute at their home in Kentucky led to both parties filing for restraining orders. Karine alleged that Paul was abusive and controlling, while Paul made counterclaims regarding Karine’s behavior.
The situation escalated further when security footage from their home was leaked online, showing a physical altercation. These events led to a temporary separation, but the couple eventually reconciled, a pattern of "on-again, off-again" behavior that defined their public image for several years. However, the recurring nature of these incidents drew the attention of local law enforcement and child welfare services.
By 2022, the situation reached a critical breaking point. Following continued reports of domestic instability and concerns for the safety of the children, Pierre and Ethan were removed from Paul and Karine’s care by Child Protective Services (CPS) in Kentucky.
The Loss of Custody and the Foster Care System
The removal of Pierre and Ethan was not a temporary measure, as many viewers initially suspected. As of 2026, the legal battle over the children remains one of the most tragic outcomes of any couple featured on the 90 Day Fiancé franchise.
The children were placed into the foster care system because the court determined that neither parent provided a safe or stable environment. Throughout 2023 and 2024, both Paul and Karine made various public statements regarding their efforts to regain custody. Karine, in particular, documented her attendance at parenting classes and her efforts to complete educational programs in the United States, hoping to prove her fitness as a mother.
Paul’s efforts were more erratic. He frequently traveled to Brazil and spent extended periods away from the U.S. legal proceedings, which complicated his standing in the custody case. In 2023, a significant controversy arose when Paul was reported "missing" in Brazil by Karine and his mother, Mary. After several days of frantic social media posts and reports to local authorities, Paul resurfaced, claiming he had been in an area without cell service. This incident was widely criticized as a "publicity stunt," though Paul denied those claims.
| Milestone | Date | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| TV Debut | 2017 | Featured on Before the 90 Days Season 1. |
| Marriage | Nov 2017 | Married in Brazil after Paul's second trip. |
| Birth of Pierre | March 2019 | The couple's first child is born in Brazil. |
| Domestic Incident | July 2020 | Police intervention and restraining orders filed. |
| Birth of Ethan | Feb 2021 | Second son born amidst ongoing marital strife. |
| Loss of Custody | June 2022 | CPS removes children due to safety concerns. |
| Brazil "Disappearance" | Aug 2023 | Paul reported missing in Brazil; found safe days later. |
| Current Status | 2026 | Separated; children remain in state-supervised care. |
Life After TLC: Career and Financial Struggles
TLC eventually severed ties with Paul and Karine following the domestic violence allegations and the leak of the home security footage. This loss of income had a devastating impact on the couple, who had relied heavily on the "reality TV" paycheck.
In the years following their exit from the show, Paul and Karine turned to alternative sources of income:
- Adult Content Platforms: Both Paul and Karine established presences on subscription-based adult sites to generate revenue. This move was controversial and was often cited by critics as a factor that could complicate their custody battle.
- Social Media Influencing: Karine has attempted to build a brand around beauty and cosmetology, though her legal troubles have frequently overshadowed her professional aspirations.
- Cameo and Fan Interactions: Like many former reality stars, they utilized fan-shoutout platforms, though Paul’s participation became increasingly sporadic as he spent more time in Brazil.
In 2026, Karine lives primarily in the United States, having secured her residency status despite her divorce from Paul. She continues to navigate the complexities of the American legal system in her ongoing quest to be reunited with Pierre and Ethan. Paul, conversely, remains a transient figure, splitting his time between Brazil and the U.S., often posting cryptic updates on social media that suggest a lack of permanent direction or stability.
Why Pierre and Ethan Were Removed
The removal of children by CPS is a measure of last resort, typically reserved for situations where there is "imminent risk" to the child's physical or emotional well-being. In the case of Staehle and Martins, several factors likely contributed to the court's decision:
- Documented Domestic Violence: The existence of video evidence and multiple police reports created a record of a high-conflict environment that is considered psychologically damaging to children.
- Parental Instability: The constant moving between countries and the lack of a permanent, safe residence in the United States made it difficult for the parents to provide the "permanency" that child welfare laws require.
- Failure to Comply with State Plans: In many cases, parents are given a "reunification plan" which may include therapy, drug testing, stable employment, and parenting classes. While Karine made visible efforts to comply with parts of these plans, the totality of the circumstances apparently did not satisfy the court's requirements for the safe return of the children.
- Public Scrutiny and Behavior: Paul’s erratic behavior on social media, including the "missing person" saga and public feuds with Karine, contributed to a narrative of instability that made it difficult for legal advocates to argue for his fitness as a primary caregiver.
The Role of Paul’s Mother, Mary Staehle
Throughout the saga, Paul’s mother, Mary, has been a central figure. Initially, viewers saw her as a voice of reason, often frustrated by Paul’s behavior and refusing to enable his financial dependency. However, as the custody battle intensified, Mary became more deeply involved.
At one point, there were hopes that the children would be placed in Mary’s custody rather than in foster care with strangers. However, due to various legal constraints and perhaps the court's desire to ensure the children were entirely removed from the parental conflict, this kinship placement did not become a permanent solution. Mary has remained a vocal advocate for her grandsons, but as of 2026, her role is limited to supervised visitations and support for the legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paul and Karine still married in 2026?
No, Paul and Karine are legally separated and have lived apart for several years. While their divorce proceedings were drawn out due to their international status and the ongoing custody battle, they do not function as a couple and have both pursued other relationships since their final separation in 2021-2022.
Where are Paul and Karine’s children now?
Pierre and Ethan remain in the custody of the state of Kentucky. While they were placed in foster care in 2022, the goal of the family court system is generally reunification or permanent adoption if reunification is deemed impossible. As of 2026, the specific details of their placement are protected by privacy laws regarding minors, but they have not been returned to the primary custody of Paul or Karine.
Does Paul Staehle still live in Brazil?
Paul Staehle frequently travels to Brazil and has spent significant portions of the last few years living there. He has often claimed to feel more "at home" in the Amazon region than in the United States, though his legal obligations regarding his children require him to return to Kentucky periodically.
Why was Paul Staehle missing in 2023?
In August 2023, Paul was reported missing after sending distressing messages to his mother. He eventually surfaced, claiming he was traveling in a remote area and lost his signal. Many fans and news outlets questioned the legitimacy of the disappearance, suggesting it may have been an attempt to garner attention or influence his ongoing legal cases.
Can Karine stay in the U.S. now that they are divorced?
Karine has remained in the United States and has sought to maintain her legal residency status. While her initial entry was based on her marriage to Paul, her long-term presence in the country has been tied to her ongoing custody battle and her efforts to build a career in the beauty industry.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
For fans and observers of the 90 Day Fiancé franchise, the story of Paul and Karine serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of reality TV fame, mental health, and domestic instability. The transition from entertainment to a serious child welfare case highlights the real-world consequences that can follow televised "drama."
As the legal proceedings continue into the latter half of the 2020s, the primary focus remains the well-being of Pierre and Ethan. For those following the case, it is recommended to rely on verified legal updates and official statements rather than the often-unreliable social media posts from the parties involved. The resolution of such high-conflict custody cases can take years, and the priority of the court will always be the "best interests of the child," regardless of the parents' public profiles.
