In re Asia ZZ.

Respondent and Amanda A. (hereinafter the mother) are the biological parents of Asia ZZ. (born in 2001). Petitioner married the mother in 2004. In 2011, petitioner commenced this proceeding to adopt the child. After a hearing, Surrogate’s Court determined, among other things, that respondent’s consent to the adoption was not required because he had failed to communicate with the child or her caretakers for a period in excess of six months (see Domestic Relations Law § 111 [1] [d]). Respondent appeals.

Surrogate’s Court properly determined that respondent’s consent to the adoption was not…