Case Name: In the Matter of Harold L.S., an Infant. Monroe County Department of Human Services, Respondent; Harold S., Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2011-11-10
Citations: 89 A.D.3d 1447
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Harold L.S., an Infant. Monroe County Department of Human Services, Respondent; Harold S., Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 89
Pages: 1447–1447

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Harold L.S., an Infant. Monroe County Department of Human Services, Respondent; Harold S., Appellant.
[932 NYS2d 408]

Opinion:
Memorandum:
Respondent father appeals from an order terminating his parental rights on the ground of abandonment and freeing his child for adoption. The father refused to attend the fact-finding hearing and his attorney, although present, elected not to participate in the father's absence. Under those circumstances, we conclude that the father's refusal to appear constituted a default, and we therefore dismiss the appeal (see Matter of Shawn A. [Milisa C.B.], 85 AD3d 1598 [2011]). Present — Peradotto, J.E, Garni, Lindley, Sconiers and Green, JJ.