In re Male H.

Respondent failed to appear in court on April 24, 1990, when the petition to terminate her parental rights came on for trial. Her counsel was warned that the matter would proceed, in her absence if necessary, on the adjourned date. On May 31, the adjourned date, respondent again defaulted, and the court proceeded, in her absence, with the fact-finding and dispositional hearings. The court thereupon determined that respondent had permanently neglected the subject child and that her parental rights should be terminated.

Respondent moved to vacate her default, asserting that she had become lost…