Opinion
September 25, 1997
Appeal from Family Court, New York County (Edward Kaufman, J.).
Respondent's excuse for his default was properly rejected by the court as "contrived, unpersuasive, and unbelievable". In any event, respondent failed to show a meritorious defense to either the evidence that he had permanently neglected the child despite the agency's diligent efforts ( see, Matter of Sheila G., 61 N.Y.2d 368, 384-385) or that termination of his parental rights is in the child's best interests ( see, Matter of Star Leslie W., 63 N.Y.2d 136, 147-148).
Concur — Rosenberger, J.P., Ellerin, Williams, Tom and Colabella, JJ.