In re the Adoption of Christopher L.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Bertram R. Gelfand, J.

In this agency adoption proceeding, there is presented a preliminary question as to the necessity for the consent of the putative father of the infant to the granting of the application. Petitioners seek a determination that the putative father is not a necessary party to the proceeding as a result of his failure to satisfy the criteria set forth in section 111 (subd 1, par [d]) of the Domestic Relations Law, or in the alternative, on the ground of abandonment (Domestic Relations Law, § 111, subd 2, par [a]). Petitioners further contend that he is not…