The custody order should have been vacated on the ground that the mother demonstrated a reasonable excuse for her default in failing to appear and a meritorious defense (see CPLR 5015 [a]).
The matter should be remanded for further proceedings as to a determination of the children's best interests, particularly in light of the fact that the children did not have the benefit of representation of their court-appointed counsel (see e.g. Matter of K.G. v C.H...
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