In re Ryan Paul L.

Order unanimously affirmed, without costs. Memorandum: The issue raised on this appeal is whether petitioners (the natural mother and her husband) may proceed with the adoption of the infant without the consent of respondent natural father of the child. After an extended hearing, Family Court determined that they may. We agree.

Domestic Relations Law § 111 (2) (a) provides that in an adoption proceeding "[t]he consent shall not be required of a parent * * * who evinces an intent to forego his or her parental or custodial rights and obligations as manifested by his or her failure for a period…