N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 201
Where a woman is entitled to an election, as prescribed in either of the last two sections, she is deemed to have elected to take the jointure, devise or pecuniary provision, unless within six months after the death of her husband she enters upon the lands assigned to her for her dower, or commences an action for her dower. But, during such period of six months after the death of her said husband, her time to make such election may be enlarged by the order of any court competent to pass on the accounts of executors, administrators or testamentary trustees, or to admeasure dower, on an affidavit showing the pendency of a proceeding to contest the probate of the will containing such jointure, devise or pecuniary provision, or of an action to construe or set aside such will, or that the amount of claims against the estate of the testator can not be ascertained within the period so limited, or other reasonable cause, and on notice given to such persons, and in such manner, as such court may direct. Such order shall be indexed and recorded in the same manner as a notice of pendency of action in the office of the clerk of each county wherein the real property or a portion thereof affected thereby is situated.
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 201