Opinion
February 4, 1999
Appeal from the Family Court, Bronx County (Harold Lynch, J.).
Vacatur of respondent's default at the fact-finding hearing was properly denied for failure to show a meritorious defense to the finding of abandonment. Respondent's claims that either he or the children's mother attempted on numerous occasions to contact the agency during the abandonment period are unsubstantiated and insufficient to warrant relief. Nor did respondent show a meritorious defense to the disposition ( see, Matter of Baby Girl S., 240 A.D.2d 215, lv dismissed 91 N.Y.2d 887; Matter of Kawari Claude C., 248 A.D.2d 158).
Concur — Lerner, J. P., Rubin, Mazzarelli and Andrias, JJ.