Order unanimously reversed on the law without costs, motion granted and matter remitted to Supreme Court, Oneida County, for further proceedings, in accordance with the following memorandum: The court erred in denying defendant's motion to vacate the default judgment of divorce. Our courts have embraced a liberal policy with respect to vacating default judgments in matrimonial actions (see, Black v Black, 141 A.D.2d 689; Sasson v Sasson, 134 A.D.2d 491; Antonovich v Antonovich, 84 A.D.2d 799), although it is still incumbent upon the moving defendant to show a reasonable excuse for the default and the existence of a meritorious defense (see, Mason v Mason, 69 A.D.2d 942, lv dismissed 47 N.Y.2d 992). In our view, defendant met his dual burden and is entitled to his day in court.