S., HAROLD L., MTR. OF

Respondent father appeals from an order terminating his parental rights on the ground of abandonment and freeing his child for adoption. The father refused to attend the fact-finding hearing and his attorney, although present, elected not to participate in the father’s absence. Under those circumstances, we conclude that the father’s refusal to appear constituted a default, and we therefore dismiss the appeal (see Matter of Shawn A. [Milisa C.B.], 85 AD3d 1598 [2011]). Present — Peradotto, J.E, Garni, Lindley, Sconiers and Green, JJ.