In re the Adoption of Cassandra M.

— Weiss, J.

Respondent is the natural father of a child born in October 1979, approximately five months after the natural parents were married. In April 1981, respondent was sentenced to an indeterminate term of ZVz to 7 years’ imprisonment in a State correctional facility.* Thereafter, the natural parents were divorced in May 1982, with the mother retaining custody of the child. The natural mother remarried and her husband petitioned to adopt the child. Respondent appeared in opposition and requested a denial of the petition or, alternatively, a formal hearing. Although recognizing that…