Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
IN RE: WILLIAM R.C., A Dependent Child Under the Age of Eighteen Years, etc., Richard C., also known as Ricardo C., Respondent-Appellant, McMahon Services for Children, a program of Good Shepard Services, Petitioner-Respondent.
Order, Family Court, Bronx County (Gayle P. Roberts, J.), entered on or about June 10, 2003, which, after a hearing, committed custody and guardianship of the child to the Commissioner of Social Services and petitioner agency for the purpose of adoption, unanimously affirmed, without costs.
All of the appellant putative father's arguments are unpreserved, and we decline to review them. On this record, appellant, who was incarcerated shortly after the child's birth, was not a person whose consent was required for adoption (Domestic Relations Law § 111[1][d]; Matter of P. [Steven R.], 309 A.D.2d 576, 765 N.Y.S.2d 506 [2003] ). Nor was he entitled to notice of a proceeding under the provisions of Domestic Relations Law § 111-a(2), pertaining to adoption proceedings, namely, he was never adjudicated the child's father by any court, he was never identified as such on the birth certificate or in a sworn statement by the mother, he never formally acknowledged or filed a notice of intent to claim paternity, nor was he living with the child's mother. For almost six years, from the time the child entered temporary foster care at the age of two months, appellant made no effort to establish contact with him, inquire as to his welfare, or contribute to his support in a meaningful way.
Thank you for your feedback!
As the largest network of trusted legal brands, we help firms build authority across the platforms consumers and AI systems rely on most. Our network helps attorneys strengthen visibility, credibility, and preference where legal decisions begin.
Decided: February 16, 2006
Court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, New York.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)
Harness the power of our directory with your own profile. Select the button below to sign up.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)