Phelps v. Hunter

Memorandum: Respondent father appeals from an order granting the nonparent petitioners sole legal and physical custody of the father’s minor child. We affirm for reasons stated in the amended findings of fact and decision at Family Court. We add only that there is no merit to the father’s contention that the Court Attorney Referee lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter (see generally CPLR 4317 [a]). The father signed the requisite consent and, although he signed that consent before being informed of his right to counsel pursuant to Family Court Act § 262 (a), he and his attorney…